Corridors June 2023

With Memorial Day behind us, it is time to look at what the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber has in store for the summer.

The Cranberry Township Farmer’s Market kicks off on Friday, June 2nd. The Pirate Pierogies will get it off to a fast start with a race to cut the ribbon at the opening ceremonies. In addition to over 40 local vendors each week, we have planned three special events. On June 30th, we will have a Cornhole Tournament that is open to the public. July 21st is our third annual Kidapalooza featuring kids games and entertainment. The market will conclude with our ever-popular Barktoberfest on September 29th. The market runs every Friday from 3 PM to 7 PM in the Cranberry Township Municipal Building parking lot.

Our annual golf outing is planned for Tuesday, July 25th at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course. It will include prizes, raffles, food, beverages, and lots of fun.

Our 8th Annual Social Media, Marketing, and Nonprofit Conference is slated for Tuesday, August 8th at La Roche University. Experts from across the country will be brought in to share their advice in tackling today’s challenges. There will be two half-day sessions. Social media and marketing will be the focus in the morning with an emphasis on nonprofit organizations in the afternoon. You can choose to attend either the morning or the afternoon sessions, or stay for the entire conference to get the most comprehensive experience.

The first Business After Hours of the summer will be on June 8th at Tapville Social in the Village of Pine, followed on July 13th, with a Business After Hours in Wexford.

Of course, our two weekly Connections meetings, our monthly Nonprofit North meetings and our monthly educational Lunchbox sessions continue all summer.

You’ll find more details regarding these and many other PNRC events, programs, and opportunities on our website pghnorthchamber.com.

Summer is vacation season. Safe travels, enjoy your summer, and hopefully, with all we have going on, you’ll be able to spend some time with us.

Sincerely,

Jim Boltz President, PNRC

Jim Boltz, President

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7TH 11:30AM-1PM

TEQUILA JALISCO GIBSONIA

5517 William Flynn Highway Gibsonia, PA 15044

Register HERE

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

Fridays, 7:30AM-9AM @ Panera Bread in Wexford

Want to present at a Connections Meeting?

Email Kelvin Mack

THURSDAY, JUNE 22ND

8AM-9AM

VIRTUAL VIA ZOOM

Come Celebrate Women in Business! Sign up HERE for the Zoom link

Presenting Sponsor:

THURSDAY, JUNE 8TH

5PM-7PM

TAPVILLE SOCIAL 11978 Perry Highway Unit 401 Wexford, PA 15090

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.

Rich Coyner

“Rich has earned the recognition of Member of the Month in so many ways. Whether it is through his involvement in our events, participation on our committees, supporting us through sponsorships, making generous donations to our scholarship fund, or bringing in new members, we can always count on him. Rich consistently and unselfishly supports the chamber in everything that we do. We appreciate all of it”.

-Jim Boltz, President PNRC

Upcoming Chamber Events:

Fridays beginning June 2, 2023

Farmers Market

Upcoming Chamber Events:

Golf Outing

July 25, 2023

Pheasant Ridge Golf Course

How to Promote Physical Activity in the Workplace

In today's fast-paced corporate world, physical activity has become increasingly important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, many professionals find it challenging to incorporate exercise into their daily routine due to the demands of their jobs. This sedentary lifestyle can lead to adverse health effects, such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

Promoting physical activity in the workplace is an effective way to encourage employees to stay active and healthy. By creating a culture of wellness in the workplace, employers can help their employees develop healthy habits that can have a positive impact on their health and well-being. In this article, we'll explore some additional ways to promote physical activity in the workplace.

1. Offer Ergonomic Furniture: Ergonomic furniture is designed to promote good posture and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. By providing employees with comfortable and supportive chairs, desks, and other furniture, you can help them maintain good posture and reduce the risk of back pain and other injuries.

2. Provide Healthy Snacks: Healthy snacks are an excellent way to encourage employees to make healthier food choices. Consider offering fruits, vegetables, and other healthy snacks in the office kitchen or break room. You can also provide healthy snack options at company events and meetings.

3. Create an Active Workspace: Creating an active workspace can help employees stay active throughout the day. Consider installing bike pedals under desks or providing stability balls instead of chairs. These small changes can help employees burn calories and stay active while they work.

4. Host Wellness Workshops: Hosting wellness workshops is an effective way to educate employees on the importance of physical activity and healthy living. You can bring in wellness experts to lead workshops on nutrition, stress management, and other wellness topics. These workshops can help employees develop healthy habits and make positive lifestyle changes.

Authored by: Corporate Wellness Magazine

5. Organize Team-Building Activities: Team-building activities can be a fun way to promote physical activity and build team camaraderie. Consider organizing company-wide sports tournaments, charity walks, or other teambuilding activities that require physical activity.

6. Implement Incentive Programs: Incentive programs can motivate employees to stay active and make healthier choices. You can offer rewards, such as gift cards or extra time off, to employees who achieve their fitness goals or participate in wellness challenges.

7. Prioritize Mental Health: Physical activity is an effective way to reduce stress and improve mental health. Consider offering mindfulness classes or meditation sessions to help employees reduce stress and improve their overall well- being.

By promoting physical activity in the workplace, employers can create a culture of wellness that benefits both employees and the organization as a whole. These initiatives can improve employee morale, reduce healthcare costs, and increase productivity. With the help of wellness consulting services, employers can develop customized wellness programs that meet the unique needs of their organization.

If you need assistance with developing a wellness program for your workplace, Global Healthcare Resources offers comprehensive wellness consulting services. Their team of experts can help you develop a customized program that includes physical activity initiatives, nutrition education, stress management techniques, and other wellness services.

Visit their website at https://www.globalhealthcareresources.com/ wellnessconsulting to learn more about their services and how they can help you promote a culture of wellness in your workplace.

Promoting physical activity in the workplace is an effective way to improve employee health and well-being. By implementing these initiatives and working with a wellness consulting service, employers can create a culture of wellness that benefits employees and the organization as a whole. With small changes and consistent efforts, physical activity can become a routine and a habit that will lead to happier, healthier employees.

To read the article, click HERE

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

Bruster’s of Ingomar

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.

CTR Payroll Services

Curio412, LLC

C.W. Howard Insurance Agency, Inc.

Direct Payment Consultants, LLC

Dairy Queen- Cranberry

Dollar Bank

Drayer Physical Therapy - Cranberry

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

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 Grill

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

COMMUNITY BUILDERS

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

Nick Scotti Concrete Contractor Inc.

Nicole Zirnsak State Farm Insurance

North Hills Family Dental

North Pittsburgh Greeting Company

North Star Buick GMC

Olive Garden - Cranberry

Oliver Outdoor

OMEGA Federal Credit Union- North Hills

OMEGA Federal Credit Union- Wexford

Once Upon A Hero

Organic Remedies, Inc.

Owl Cleaners, Inc.

Passavant 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

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

Workforce Development YouTube Videos

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

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.

Central Pennsylvania Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) is a statewide chapter of the national Independent Electrical Contractors trade association, proudly serving merit-shop electrical contractors across Pennsylvania. They offer apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and continuing education programs, exclusive networking and appreciation events, and advocate for electrical contractors in Pennsylvania. Marissa Bankert, Executive Director of IEC discusses workforce development as related to the trades. Marissa Bankert, IEC Pennsylvania

NexTier Bank is more than a bank - they believe in a culture of giving back. Their people lead their organization to help local families and businesses to meet their financial goals. They have 26 branches in Western Pennsylvania and remain dedicated to being a business leader and a responsible corporate citizen. NexTier has served local communities for over half a century and gives back through employee volunteerism, donations, and fundraising. Darla Livermore, Senior Vice President and Director of Human Resources, discusses workforce development as related to the banking industry. Darla Livermore, NexTier Bank

Advance Sourcing Concepts, LLC is a certified Woman-Owned, full-service talent solutions company. They connect great candidates with great companies. They have over 60 years of combined staffing experience in the Pittsburgh, West Virginia, and National Market. They are listed as a Top 100 Women Owned Business in PA and are participating in the Women of Steel Small Business Spotlight Program. Judith Bernhard, President and CEO, discusses workforce development from a staffing agency perspective. Judith Bernhard, Advance Sourcing Concepts, LLC

EmployHER Pittsburgh is a collaboration between Dress for Success Pittsburgh, When She Thrives, and New Century Careers. These entities partnered to participate in the Building Productive Partnerships pilot hosted by Bayer Center and PACE Foundation. EmployHER Pittsburgh is designed to remove barriers like access to childcare and transportation through pop up engagement events, bringing multiple nonprofit resources and prospective employers to communities across Allegheny County. Each woman who attends the opportunity fair will be supported by a success partner to help them set and achieve their self-defined goals over a six-month period. Jade Corbett, the Development Associate for Dress for Success Pittsburgh, discusses how the EmployHER Pittsburgh Program is helping to bring more women into the workforce. Jade Corbett, Dress for Success Pittsburgh

These Workforce Development videos allow the PNRC to shine a spotlight on organizations that are doing their part to help the community workforce thrive. We are looking for additional organizations that are interested in being interviewed and contributing to this educational resource. If you are interested in participating, or want to refer an organization, please contact Kelvin Mack at kmack@pghnorthchamber.com or 724-934-9700 ext. 21.

PNRC Committee Spotlight HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Excel)

supports the growth and involvement of talented young professionals by creating business opportunities, supporting community involvement, and fostering an overall investment in the future of our region. HYPE brings together young professionals with the most powerful network of business leaders in the Pittsburgh North region by providing opportunities, information, and mentorship to the next generation of leaders.

HYPE organized the Second Chance Prom at the Millvale Community Center earlier this year to raise money for the scholarship fund. They were able to raise enough to give six scholarships to high school graduates (five scholarships and one trade scholarship).

HYPE meets the first Wednesday of every month from 4-5 PM at Stack’d in Wexford.

Upcoming HYPE events:

HYPE Iron Chef - September 18, 2023 at Flour Power Kids Cooking Studios in Allison Park, PA

Back to School Mixer - September 2023. (A chance for college-aged students to get a chance to learn more about the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber with light refreshments).

Meet ‘n Move - October 2023. An evening event with round-robin networking! Attendees will enjoy light refreshments and networking at one of the PNRC’s most popular events.

Meet the HYPE Committee Chair - Bradley Wilkins, Branch Manager at KeyBank Wexford

Questions? Are you interested in being a part of the HYPE Committee or learning more information? Contact Bradley Wilkins at Bradley_J_Wilkins@keybank.com or Carrie Nolan Robson at crobson@pghnorthchamber.com for all the details!

Stay tuned for more information about PNRC committees…

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

How to Choose the Right Insurer for Your Benefit Plans

Offering the right mix of benefits to employees is a daunting task for almost any company. Yet most business owners understand the importance and value a strong employee benefit portfolio has on their company’s growth and overall success. But choosing the best benefits is only part of the story. Choosing the right insurance carriers to provide those benefits is not only the other part of the story, but an often undervalued aspect.

When evaluating different carriers for benefit plans, there are several things employers should consider prior to making a decision. While working with a benefits broker or consultant will greatly simplify this process, it is ultimately up to the business owner to assure the carrier selection is the best fit for their company. Here are a few points to consider:

Carrier Credentials…In addition to checking that carriers are licensed to do business in any state(s) with client locations, decision makers should also seek assurance that the carrier is financially sound and meets all state requirements, such as those involving required premium reserve levels.

Diversity of Products and Services…Most companies today, especially those with more than a few employees, tend to offer multiple plan options for their employees to choose from. The right carrier should have a wide portfolio of plans available for any group. Which of those plans should be in the company benefit package? That should be based on the specific demographics of each business, the health care needs of that population, and the company budget.

Provider Networks…Prior to including a plan in the company’s benefit portfolio, the decision maker should be assured that employees and their families will be comfortable choosing from the physicians and hospitals within the provider’s network.

Cost Competitiveness…This should be obvious, but with all other factors being equal, the plan premiums for both the company and its employees are a major factor in a decision to choose or bypass a carrier.

Level of Technology…Online access to health information, digital tools and monitoring, and other technology can assist in the management of health issues. This takes stress away from employees seeking enhanced wellbeing and provides employers utilization based savings in the process.

Customer Service Experience…Research the level of personalized customer service that the provider offers members. Especially in smaller businesses, where there are few if any, human resource personnel for employees to turn to for help with claim issues, a friendly, responsive, and effective call center can make or break the employee experience.

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

Your Chamber membership is a valuable business tool that is complemented by our Affinity Program partners who 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!

NONPROFIT

Nonprofit Name: Gateway Rehab

Mission: “To help all affected by addictive diseases to be healthy in body, mind, and spirit. “

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

Substance use disorder is a complex brain disease that affects over 20 million Americans a year; often referred to as a family disease. For every one person struggling with addiction, three close individuals are directly impacted. Substance use disorder is chronic, relapsing and remitting, but it is also treatable, yet only 10% of those struggling with the disease receive treatment. Recovery from substance use disorders is not a linear process. Like many chronic illnesses, multiple factors play a role in the achievement of leading a life free of addiction. By changing the way addiction is perceived, Gateway Rehab hopes to increase accessibility, educate families on the importance of evidence-based treatment for loved ones, and advocate for acceptance of all roads to sustained wellness. Gateway Rehab is committed to making an ever-lasting impact on families and communities.

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

In day-to-day operations, a great challenge is caring for patients who come to residential treatment with minimal to no belongings. Personal hygiene items and appropriate clothing allow a patient to comfortably function throughout the treatment process. Our organization accepts donations of items throughout the year to assist those in need. Additionally, Gateway Rehab offers a variety of program enhancements to improve engagement and retention of patients. Holistic, therapeutic options include music counseling, art counseling, adventure-based counseling, equine therapy, and the boxing academy. These program enhancements operate thanks in large part to the generosity of donors. Programs such as these not only provide alternative outlets for therapeutic expression but also support sustained wellness.

Information/donation contact: Gateway Rehab is a private, 501(c)3 nonprofit or ganization serving the Pittsburgh region since 1972. Gateway's philosophy was founded on the principle that addiction is a chronic, yet treatable medical condition. Operating under a person-first framework, all who come through Gateway’s doors will be treated with respect, dignity, and worth. Gateway Rehab’s team can be trusted to provide the right care, for the right reasons, and to reinvest any revenue back into programs and services. For more information and ways to donate: https:// www.gatewayrehab.org/resources/get-involved/donate-now

Five Things You Should be Doing Every Time You Shop at the Farmer’s Market

Article by: Lizzy Briskin, Writer for Insider, Real Simple and the Chicago Tribune

The first few days of spring bring chirping birds, welcome rays of sunshine, and the promise of a new crop of produce at the farmers market. As much as we love winter’s stacks of fanned-out carrots and all the potatoes we can fit in a canvas tote, there’s nothing like the excitement of spotting the first asparagus spears of the year. At the same time, even the smallest farmers markets can feel overwhelming Which way should you go first? What should you avoid? And what should you be doing every time you visit? These are all great things to ask. With the first two covered, today we’re focusing on that all-important third question.

To get the deets, we chatted with Alison Cayne, founder of Haven’s Kitchen and frequent shopper at the Union Square Greenmarket in New York City, and Liz Carollo, assistant director of food access at GrowNYC. They shared some expert tips about shopping efficiently and scoring the best items. If the artichokes, ramps, and baby greens are calling your name this spring, be sure to keep these dos in mind when you head to the greenmarket.

1. Bring Cash

2. Remember your reusable bags and food containers

3. Come with an open mind and a flexible list.

4. As the saying goes, “Look with your eyes, not your hands”

5. Be respectful of producers’ time

To read the full article, click here

Check out some of the vendors that will be in attendance for the 2023 Cranberry Township Farmers Market!

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, June 14th 8:30 - 10:00 AM

Stay tuned to the PNRC Facebook pages and the PNRC events calendar for our next featured location!

It is Primary Election Season!

Authored by: Jon O’Data, Service Manager, Cremation Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Once again it’s primary election season. As is usual inAllegheny County, the main election of consequence every year is the Democrat primary due to the overwhelming registration numbers. Many Republican primary races are unchallenged. There are no big races at the state or federal level but many races at the local level and local and state court judges. The major election in our area is forAllegheny County Executive, as the current County Executive, Rich Fitzgerald, is termlimited. Most will agree that he did a very good job and there are a large number of people running for the office in the primary. The current Democrat district attorney Stephen Zappala is facing a primary challenge from public defender Matt Dugan.

Often unnoticed are the local and state judicial races. There is one State Supreme Court opening due to the death of the former chief justice, two openings on the State Superior Court, and one opening on the Commonwealth Court. State judges and justices serve a 10 year term and local judges and magistrates serve a 6 year term. Political ads for justices and judges running for seats face more restrictions from the judicial code than candidates for other offices.

There are also many local races for town councils and school boards. While being relatively lowprofile, these do affect the voters and we should all pay attention to what the candidates stand for.

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 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!

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 and social media!

Our Next Great Workforce Begins at Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week!

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

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

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

What is the Acton Children’s Business Fair?

The Children’s Business Fair gives enterprising young people an opportunity to bring their business ideas to life. The Children’s Business Fair allows kidpreneurs 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.

How did the Acton Children’s Business Fair get started?

Jeff and Laura Sandefer and a few other families wanted to spark a sense of wonder and entrepreneurship in their children so they created the first Acton Children’s Business Fair in Austin, Texas, in 2007. That year, there were seven entrepreneurs and around 25 attendees. Now, there are over 115 entrepreneurs and 1,500 attendees at the Acton Children’s Business Fair in Austin.

How many businesses will you accept?

We will host up to 60 youth start-up businesses on Saturday, June 3 from 1:00 Pm 3:00 PM at Discovery Christian Church located at 170 Scharberry Lane Mars, PA. Please read our Guidelines and Details and Business Planning Guide to make sure you are ready.

How will the fair be set up?

The fair will be an indoor event with tables. Each business will be given an area with a 6-foot table and two chairs. Tablecloths will not be provided. We are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity.

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

Creative Real Estate Development Co.

American Cancer Society

Bosland Electric, LLC

Bruster’s of Ingomar

Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau

Charles P. Leach Agency, Inc.

Curio412, LLC

Dryer Vent Wizard of Greater Pittsburgh

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

Just Life, Inc

Knichel Logistics

Link to Visibility

Masonic Fund Society

Model Cleaners, Uniforms and Apparel LLC. Cranberry

North Hills Monthly Magazine

Kawneer

Lifesteps

McCandless Corporate Center

Medicine Shoppe of Ingomar

Minuteman Press - Cranberry

MSA- The Safety Company

North Allegheny School District

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.

Oliver Outdoor

Pittsburgh Job Corps

Pittsburgh Skin

Renewal by Andersen

Specialized Staffing and Industry Recruiters, Inc.

Tempur Pedic

Three Rivers Paintball, Inc.

Aire Serv of Sewickley

Beitler Logistics

kat’s coffeehouse

Life Camera Soul Photography

Nest Contract Furnishings, LLC

Polishes & Potions

RevLocal

Restore Hyper Wellness

sani products worldwide inc

Team Fishguy Transplant Foundation

Urban Air Adventure Park

Zen Leaf Dispensaries

Bradley Wilkins

Jim Boltz

Christina Grzybek

Lisa Hunt

Kathleen Kuznicki

Kelvin Mack

Carrie Nolan-Robson

Mark Prentice

Rakesh Unnithan

IMA | ESS

Cranberry - An Arconic Company

2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lisa Hunt Board Chair U$X Federal Credit Union

Mark Prentice Past Chair Valpak of Western Pennsylvania

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

Carolyn Keller Foundation Chair Curio412, LLC

Kathleen Kuznicki—Secretary The Lynch Law Group

Jada Lehman Treasurer JIL Solutions

Jim Boltz President Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

Board of Directors

Tom Baker North Hills Community Outreach

Niki Campbell The Flourish Group

Rich Coyner

Minuteman Press– Cranberry

Steve Diffenderfer Dollar Bank

Sherrie Dunlap Gallagher United Way of Southwestern PA

Ryan Kociela Butler County Community College

Perry Latimer Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau

Sally Power Treasure House Fashions

Craig Pritts My Benefit Advisor

Bradley Wilkins Key Bank

Felipe Valdez Nothing Bundt Cakes