Chamber Connect - August 2023

CHAMBERCONNECT

August2023(Edition–8)

Inside this issue:

Feature Article Did You Know? 5 Ways the Chamber Works for YOU!

From the Desk of Dan DeBone: Toxic Workplaces and Bosses Have These in Common

Chamber Champion of the Month: True Light Communications LLC

Non-Profit of the Month: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region

Financial Wellness & News: Five Steps to a Well-Designed Benefit Strategy

Upcoming Events

Chamber Rewind: See a July event recap

Member Milestones

Welcome New Members

News & Events from Our Members Ads, events, and more

Did You Know?

5 Ways the Chamber Works For YOU!

Hopefully by now you’ve looked over the Chamber’s Strategic Plan. Many of the initiatives outlined in the Strategic Plan were either created or enhanced directly from the feedback we received from our members, including the results of a 2022 membership survey that many of you completed. We took that feedback seriously and used it to help shape our Strategic Plan.

There’s an old saying that someone has to hear something seven times before they hear it for the first time. So even though we rolled the Strategic Plan out in January, some things bear repeating. If these Strategic Initiatives sound familiar to you, great! If not, maybe this is your seventh time and you’re ready to let it sink in.

Read More...

DIDYOU KNOW?

Members can now post community events on our website. Simply head to the community calendar and submit an event. Once approved, it will be public.

Community Calendar

Check back often to check other events around the county.

Hopefully by now you’ve looked over the Chamber’s Strategic Plan. Many of the initiatives outlined in the Strategic Plan were either created or enhanced directly from the feedback we received from our members, including the results of a 2022 membership survey that many of you completed. We took that feedback seriously and used it to help shape our Strategic Plan.

There’s an old saying that someone has to hear something seven times before they hear it for the first time. So even though we rolled the Strategic Plan out in January, some things bear repeating. If these Strategic Initiatives sound familiar to you, great! If not, maybe this is your seventh time and you’re ready to let it sink in.

Either way, we’re working hard for you and will continue to expand and enhance our efforts based on your needs and feedback. And while we don’t expect to achieve everything in our Strategic Plan in 2023, we have made significant progress that we’d like to share with you, as outlined in the Five-Point Strategic Action Plan.

1.Community Involvement

A key factor in our strategic plan is fostering and strengthening workforce development programs and partnerships with regional entities that help prepare our people for the jobs of tomorrow. We’re also working to help make Westmoreland County a more attractive location for prospective businesses to move to through supporting infrastructure projects and advocating with elected officials.

Our members also asked us to help build a community that fostered relationships between for-profit and nonprofit entities. As part of meeting that request, we’ve created a non-profit of the month section on our new website, highlighting the mission and goals of local non-profits.

2.Voice of Business

Ensuring the visibility and growth of our member businesses has always been one of the Chamber’s most important functions. Making sure your needs were heard, we created a number of different ways for you to share your feedback. We’ve also expanded how to do outreach to members, adding consistent communication via email, social media, etc.

Most importantly, we have made a concerted effort to ensure the needs of our region and your businesses have been heard with government entities. We advocate for you each day with local, state, and federal elected officials while providing you updates on the latest legislation.

3.Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

In order to stay competitive with other businesses in the region, we recognize the importance of furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts throughout the County.

From awareness campaigns to educational workshops to hosting our first DEI Summit, the Chamber is serious about creating an inclusive environment that welcomes all members of our business community to contribute and thrive.

We see it as vital to the health of the entire region’s economy to make sure everyone has a seat at the table and can contribute their unique insights on important decisions.

4.Marketing and Communications

To help amplify awareness of the Chamber and its benefits to potential members, we recently conducted a rebrand, including a new website. The new layout makes information more accessible and provides information on how the Chamber can help local businesses succeed.

In addition, we’ve added member education opportunities to keep our members on the cutting edge of technology and business practices.

We’ve tailored communications to be more relevant to the recipients and varied communication channels so that our members can receive information the way they want whether via email, newsletters, the website, or social media.

5. Membership

We know there are differing motivations for local businesses to become members. So that’s why we’ve expanded and improved the value you get when you join.

From making membership benefits more clear on investment documents to streamlining the renewal process, we’re working hard to increase clarity and efficiency in processing memberships.

We’ve also expanded the ways you can network and learn from one another in addition to celebrating ribbon-cuttings. By analyzing membership data and sponsorships, we’ve reinvested in events and introduced new programs that benefit all of our members.

More Feedback!

Look for a new membership survey coming to you soon. Your input will be invaluable as we plan our next steps to serving you better.

But you don’t have to wait until the survey to share your feedback. We’re always available to meet with members. Call our office during normal business hours (724-834-2900), complete our online form, or email us at info@westmorelandchamber.com.

Author/ Westmoreland County Chamber Consultant– Noele Creamer

The Great Resignation is partly due to many people realizing that the demand for employees has created opportunities for them to try new things. A side effect of the work-from-home shift during the pandemic and an overall change in workplace culture shined a rather bright light on toxic bosses, a toxic workplace, and toxic coworkers.

Sometimes red flags can be hard to spot, but there are a few things that negative bosses and toxic workplace cultures have in common.

1. Blame is Shared, Credit Isn't

President Truman famously said, "The buck stops here," a management style where a good leader takes responsibility for a team's performance – both good and bad. A boss that's a glory hog or one that takes all the praise and credit themselves is one to be wary of.

Credit-grabbing bosses may also be the kind that shuffles blame. They're typically either very new managers, afraid of making a mistake or being held accountable for poor team performance, or a self-aggrandizing manager who feels they do no wrong. Both types of bosses pass the blame to anyone involved in the project and rest on the laurels of successful team efforts.

2. Lack of Trust Unglues Culture

If you've ever worked on a collaborative project, you know how important trust and communication are. However, in a toxic work environment, there may be people on your team who claim credit for the contributions of a group or use the information and insight you give them to advance their career, leaving you behind.

If you find yourself blind-copying your boss on every email you send to a teammate, you might be in a strained work environment. Or, if you note one or two individuals always look out for number one, to the detriment of the rest of the department, you may be working in a fragmented culture.

BOSSES HAVE THESE IN COMMON

3. Uncertainty Limits Your Best Work

When your boss doesn't clearly communicate expectations or shift the goalposts, it's hard to know if you're performing up to standard. If you have a boss who's an information hoarder or one who changes their mind about priorities every week, it's hard to keep up. An unpredictable work environment naturally won't have the best results from a team because the members are too busy playing catch-up or anticipating their boss's desires.

4. Fear of Negative Feedback

There's a saying that honey catches more flies than vinegar, and it's very true in the business world. Bosses who create an office culture where workers produce out of fear of punishment, rather than working towards an incentive or a reward, end up with employees who do just enough to avoid consequences.

Fear of criticism, especially when delivered in public or inappropriately, using sarcasm or raised voices, creates a workplace environment where everyone is tense and on edge. That's not to say that there shouldn't be consequences for poor results or bad behavior, but good managers praise in public and chastise in private.

You Have Options

If you've noticed one or more of these warning signs about a toxic work environment or boss, you have options. Businesses all over our region are hiring, and reading these signs may be just the impetus you need to look elsewhere. When leaving a job, however, refrain from a dramatic exit, and instead, turn in a notice and leave on as good of terms as possible. Look for small businesses in your area, where an owner-operator is hands-on and invested in success, or check with the Chamber for companies in your area that are hiring.

Chamber Champion of True Light Communications

Congratulations to True Light Communications LLC, our August Chamber Champion!

True Light Communications is a family-owned, faith-based Digital Billboard Advertising company located in Murrysville PA. Father and son team, Norman Wright Jr, Owner, and Brennan Wright, Director of Sales and Marketing, jumped right into their membership with the Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce. As a first-year member, they joined at the Advocate Level so that they could utilize the benefits that come with a higher-level membership. Both quickly decided to get involved and join a committee; Norm sits on the Marketing Committee, and Brennan is an active Chamber Ambassador.

True Light offers ultra-high-resolution digital billboards that provide their clients with the opportunity to get their offer, message, and brand seen by tens of thousands of people every day. “Our goal is to help you straighten your brand and drive traffic into your business – to get you new customers!”

True Light Digital Billboards has been in business for thirty years offering services that include marketing strategy development, design work, and helping clients choose the best avenue for advertising exposure. Our Chamber Champion has digital billboard options spanning Westmoreland County.

True Light is a believer that digital advertising should be an important part of a business’s marketing strategy. It is a timeless and effective tool for businesses looking to increase sales and maintain

75%

75% of people say they have seen digital billboards in the past month.

71%

71% of people feel digital billboards STAND OUT MORE than online ads.

The Chamber Champion program is brought to our members in

Chamber the Month

Communications LLC

momentum. Why is it effective? A business can reach a wide audience, provide constant brand visibility, and target local markets. By harnessing the power of billboard advertising, businesses can effectively drive sales growth, enhance brand awareness, and stay ahead of the competition.

In alignment with the Chamber’s mission to connect businesses, True Light offers the services to do just that for our other members. “It is our belief that we should always be connectors. Helping other business leaders in our community to meet and connect with others.” Their active involvement with the chamber and the ability to “connect” is one of the reasons they were chosen as the August Chamber Champion.

Norm and Brennan pride themselves on their ability to “shape the Right Message, and deliver it to the Right People to get the Right Results!”

For more information on True Light Digital Billboards, please visit their website. 82% 65% billboards 82% of people RECALLED ADVERTISING on digital billboards.

65% consider digital billboards a good way to learn about NEW BUSINESSES in the area.

in conjunction with our member and local business,Wildcats Championship Belts.

Non-Profit of the Month

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel

One of the driving pillars of the Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce is CONNECTION. In picking a non-profit that also stood on the idea of connection, it is hands down Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region, our August Non-Profit of the Month.

Their mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Connection and relationship building is the name of the game with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Just as the chamber thrives to connect businesses and people in Westmoreland County, this non-profit has been making meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”) since 1975. You can read some of the inspirational match stories here.

Why? This evidence-based mentorship helps our local youths have higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships. Children in this program are more likely to avoid risky behaviors and have educational success. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region plainly and boldly states that they are “Defenders of Potential.”

The organization serves youth ages 6-24 in both Westmoreland and Fayette Counties, and all the children they serve are facing adversity.

There are two program options available, Community-Based and School-Based, that are designed to help develop strong one-to-one relationships and make a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young children. The presence of just one caring adult in a child’s life is the #1 protective factor to improve children’s resiliency against challenges.

The Community-Based program involves an adult volunteer (“Big”) spending time with a child (“Little”) doing activities of their choosing twice a month. The School-Based program is great for working adults to spend time with a “Little” for a half hour weekly/biweekly on their lunch break, visiting the child at their school for lunch or recess. This program is available in select elementary schools in Latrobe, Greensburg, and Norwin school districts.

STEAM camp activity held at Legion Keener Park this past weekend.

Big Brother Steryling with his Little Brother Lamine enjoying some time on the lake.

Dan and Lindsay presenting the certificate to Brittany, Gabby, and Kody at BBBS of the Laurel Region.

Laurel Region

The evidence is there: In 2022, Big Brothers Big Sisters helped the children they serve decrease depressive symptoms by 80% and school disciplinary needs by 61%. They helped 145 Littles with one-to-one mentoring matches and gifted 2,430 meals, holiday gifts, toiletries, and backpacks to local families. [Read the 2022 Big Impact Report]

Eight employees lead the way to helping the community at their Greensburg location right on Main Street. The organization has been a chamber member for thirty-seven years and they are actively involved in attending events within our county.

They are no stranger to being noticed for their efforts; In 2020, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region was named national “Agency of the Year.” They are well deserving of being named the Chamber Non-Profit of the Month due to their commitment to giving back to the community, their recognition of Diversity and Inclusion, and their efforts to help children harness their potential.

There are a lot of ways one can help this non-profit and support their mission. You can get more information on becoming a “Big,” but if that isn’t a possibility right now, monetary donations to aid in recruitment are always appreciated. Every dollar invested in Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring generates $18 in social return on investment. They have an active Amazon Wish List of books for their Read to Succeed program. You can also consider attending one of their many fundraising events including golf, clay shooting, and their annual Gala held in November. For more information on donating click here.

The non-profit is holding an information session on August 22nd from 6:00-7:00 pm for anyone that wants to learn more about becoming a Big and changing two lives at once! Virtual sessions are also available in August.

We at the Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce thank you for all that you do for local children and families throughout our county. Congratulations on being named the non-profit of the month for August.

More information on Big Brothers Big Sisters can be found at https://bbbslr.org/.

Big Sister Mariah (NavyVeteran) takes photos of her Little Sister Jay swinging at Legion Keener .

Chamber’s Financial Wellness & News for August!

Five Steps to a Well-Designed Benefit Strategy

A well-designed employee benefit strategy can help build a significant advantage for any company seeking to grow through the acquisition and retention of key talent. The inability to hire and retain a strong workforce will affect an organization’s performance and inhibit its ability to achieve corporate goals and objectives. The ability to understand employee needs and craft a customized strategy is one of the more critical components of successful human resource management.

The following five steps will aid in the development of a successful benefit design strategy.

1. Be Sure to Develop a Benefit Strategy that Aligns with the Company Mission Statement…A company’s benefit strategy should not be thought of as distinct and unrelated to the long term business goals of the company, but should instead compliment the ideological philosophies the business was built on.

2. Set Benefit Plan Goals and Budget…Establishing objectives for the company benefit program will enable decision makers to select the right plans, plan designs and services to round out their overall portfolio. As a general guideline, an employee’s benefits cost is approximately 30% of their overall compensation.

3. Analyze Employee Demographics and Benefit Needs…Benefit portfolios should be relevant and match the specific demographics and needs of each company’s diverse workforce

4. Choose Plans and Providers that Match the Above Criteria… With the help of a benefits broker or consultant, create a benefit portfolio based on the established strategy, budget and needs of the company.

5. Develop an Effective Communication Strategy…An effective communication strategy, involving a variety of media formats, allows employees to take full advantage of the benefits provided. Communication should extend beyond open enrollment periods and provide updates, reminders and education throughout the plan year.

Once the strategy has been developed, plans chosen and employees enrolled, company leaders should analyze and review the program on a regular basis and be prepared to modify the strategy and its components as needed. Employee feedback can be a valuable resource for this process. A sound benefit strategy should not be carved in stone but should be fluid, adapting to evolving needs, company development and any changes to the business environment and socio-economic conditions.

The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce 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 wccc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Craig Pritts at (800) 377-3539.

UPCOMING EVENTS!

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 2

4:00-5:00

THURSDAY AUGUST 10

4:00-5:00

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 16

8:00-9:15

RIBBON CUTTING

JUST AUTO TAG & NOTARY

RIBBON CUTTING

MAVERICK AESTHETICS

THURSDAY AUGUST 24 4:30-6:30

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 30 10:30-12:00

Tours from 12-1

WAKE UP WESTMORELAND

MT. PLEASANT

BUSINESS DISTRICT AUTHORITY

BASH

VANKO CBD & SITTAY’S MEDITERRAINAN KITCHEN

RIBBON CUTTING MIND DOJO

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 30

7:00-9:00

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 6 4:30-6:30

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 20 11:00-1:00

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE INVITE FROM WESTERN EDGE SEAFOOD: DINNER, WINE, MUSIC, AND NETWORKING AT THEIR NEW CAFÉ

$25 ticket

More Info

PARTY IN THE PARK

HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP

250TH ANNIVERSARY

WOMEN OF WESTMORELAND FALL LUNCHEON

FERRANTE’S LAKEVIEW

https://business.westmorelandchamber.com/chamber-calendar

We just love the energy and positivity that radiates from those at New Directions Mental Health! It was a jammed packed ribbon cutting event on July 11th as we welcomed this new business to Westmoreland County.

Diane and her staff are simply a delight and their office space on Matthew Street feels like home! Diane Kerrigan & Associates offer a variety of services and pride themselves on their community outreach. Congratulations on your new office space and ribbon cutting ceremony.

Dollar Bank North Huntingdon knows how to throw a chamber BASH! They provided our members with a great after hours networking party with food from another one of our members, Angelo’s Cucina! Thank you Tom and the rest of the staff at Dollar Bank North Huntingdon for your hospitality.

Dollar Bank is one of our special hosts because ALL of our 2023 BASHes were free to members thanks to Dollar Bank’s annual sponsorship.

In July we were also able to attend the Local Service Account (LSA) celebration at Live! Casino to review the vast funding that has been awarded to multiple Westmoreland County municipalities for major infrastructure improvements and beyond. We also visited the Human Service Fair where the Westmoreland County Department of Human Services announced eight grants that will continue to enhance the level of services for our residents, employers and employees throughout the region.

If you are a member and would like to set up an event, please contact Lindsay, Events and Communications Manager, at Lindsay@westmorelandchamber.com or 724-834-2900 Option 3.

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP MILESTONES

20Year Anniversary

Doug Gross Landscape Design andTree Care

15Year Anniversary

S&T Bank Irwin

10Year Anniversary

RE/MAX Leading Edge

5Year Anniversary

Barnes Place Senior Living

Life’sWork of Western PA—Mount Pleasant

RIDC

Westmoreland Children First

2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Bradley Roth - McDowell Associates (Chair)

Paul Ward - Kennametal (Vice Chair)

Chris Mohler-King - Sendell Motors (Treasurer)

Tom Chakurda - Excela Health (Secretary)

Parag Bedekar - Hydro Carbide Tool Company

Thomas Jeffrey Cook - Somerset Trust Company

Dan Galbraith - Solutionist-SWAG

Maria LaVelle - Pheple Federal Credit Union

Mark Lawrence - PNC Bank

Vicki Loucks - Redstone Presbyterian SeniorCare

Sherry Magretti-Hamilton - Westmoreland County Register of Wills

Dr. Robert Mayfield - Tenaska

Jeffrey McDonald - West Penn Power/First Energy

Janeen Moffa - 1st Summit Bank

Ann Nemanic - GO Laurel Highlands

Jason Rigone - Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation

Judge Harry F. Smail, Jr. - Westmoreland County Civil and Orphans Court

Sean Sullivan - Live! Casino

Annie Urban - Seton Hill University

Ladd Wagner - Ladd Wagner State Farm

Daniel Wesolowski - Elliott Group

*James Smith - Economic Growth Connection

*Michael Storms - Elliott Group

*Tony Vecchio - Coldwell Banker Ex-officio member

SOLICITOR

James Creenan - Creenan & Baczkowski, PC

CHAMBER STAFF

Dan DeBone - President & CEO

Lisa Kennedy - Director of Business Development

Joanne Pearson - Senior Director of Operations

Lindsay Neary–Events & Communications Manager

Patrice Palmiere - Administrative Assistant

Grace Markum - Leadership Westmoreland Facilitator/Consultant

Downtown West Newton, Inc.

Barbara LaFace

115 East Main Street

West Newtown, PA 15089

724-872-0100

dwninc@comcast.net

http://www.dwni.org/ Not For Profit

Lokay Lanes

Justin Lokay

2127 Mosside Blvd. Monroeville, PA 15146

412-372-3046

lokaylanesllc@gmail.com

www.lokaylanes.com

Amusement & Recreation

Senior Care Authority, LLC

Kathy Thompson

1 Colonial Circle

Irwin, PA 15642

412-770-9606

kathythompson@seniorcareauthority.com

http://www.seniorcareauthority.com/pittsburgharea

Nursing-Senior Care-Residential Services

Mind Dojo

Justin Lokay

8958 Hill Drive

Irwin, PA 15462

(724) 755-3020

justin@minddojo.com

http://minddojo.com

Medical Services

Steffan Industries Inc.

Sandy Steffan

950 East Smithfield Street

McKeesport, PA 15135

412-770-9606

sandy@steffanindustriesinc.com

http://www.steffanindustriesinc.com

Industrial & Manufacturing

Greensburg, PA 15601

724-834-2900

info@westmorelandchamber.com

Please join us for the GOAL Magazine Golf Outing OR Paint -N- Sip to benefit the Greater Latrobe Partners in Education Foundation. Net proceeds will be granted to the Autistic Support, Learning Support and Life Skills Classrooms in the Greater Latrobe School District. Over the past seven years, we have raised more than $160,000 for this cause.

The format is a 2- person scramble and the $175 entry fee per person includes a gift, snack box, lunch and beverages on the course, awards reception and dinner following golf PLUS chances to win top of the line prizes! The winning twosome will be awarded customized wrestling belts by Wildcat Championship Belts with the opportunity to present the belts to next year’s winners.

Arnold Palmer's Latrobe Country Club