AUGUST 2017
CHAMBER CENTRAL
A PUBLICATION OF THE WESTMORELAND COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS AUGUST 2 5:00 pm - Ribbon Cutting, Bellissimo Plastic Surgery & Medi Spa, Greensburg
LEADERSHIP WESTMORELAND Announces
New Cohort
AUGUST 3 7:45 am - MBPA Chapter Networking Breakfast, Dick’s Diner, Murrysville
CLASS OF 2017-2018
AUGUST 10 8:00 am - Marketing Committee Meeting 11:30 am - Monthly Luncheon, The Lamplighter, Delmont
AUGUST 15 7:45 am - Breakfast BASH, Westmoreland County Chamber Office, Greensburg
AUGUST 16 5:00 pm - BASH, Redstone Highlands, North Huntingdon
AUGUST 22 7:45 am - Coffee & Connections, Hayden’s Pharmacy, Mount Pleasant
AUGUST 24 8:00 am - Gov. Affairs Committee Meeting
AUGUST 25 8:00 am - Ambassador Committee Meeting *Events held in Chamber office unless otherwise noted.
Leadership Westmoreland is pleased to announce its third cohort of participants since the program’s re-launch in 2015. “We are excited to keep the momentum going as we prepare for our next program year. We look forward to welcoming the new cohort, with its diversity and commitment to Leadership Westmoreland. It promises to be another great year to Learn, Grow and Lead,” explained program facilitator Grace Markum. The 9-month program featuring over 40 guest presenters from all over Westmoreland County will kick off in September when the cohort comes together for an overnight retreat. The Class of 2017-2018 includes: • Erin Angellone, Westmoreland Casemanagement and Supports • Eric Boyd, Elliott Group • Beth Bradley, Elliott Group • Jack Butler, ACHIEVA/The Arc of Westmoreland
• Christopher Daniels, Chevron USA • Sarah Dewald, Watt Fuel Cell • Erika Doyle, Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/ Fayette • Linda Harkcom, Stage Right • Susan Kinney, Westmoreland Casemanagement and Supports • Robert Kniss, Williams Company • Rachel Kurdziel, Ligonier Valley School District • Mark Lawrence, PNC Bank • Vanessa Mangery, Senior Independence of Southwestern PA • Jessica Marazza, The SecondHalf Coach • Carol Palcic, Adelphoi • Adam Quatrini, Quatrini Rafferty, P.C. • Rebecca Quatrini, UPMC East • Jessica Parsons, Saint Vincent College • Louis Surace, Westmoreland County Community College • Louise Wilhelm, Westmoreland County Food Bank
THE WESTMORELAND COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RECOGNIZES FOTORECORD PRINT CENTER AS THE “OFFICIAL PRINTER” OF THE CHAMBER CENTRAL NEWSLETTER. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICES.
FOTORECORD
AUGUST MEMBER LUNCHEON Thursday, August 10 • 11:30 AM • The Lamplighter, Delmont $25 per member | $40 per future member
FEATURING SCOTT BROWN, AUTHOR OF THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS FANS’ BUCKET LIST Scott Brown covered the Steelers for 9 years for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and ESPN. The Pittsburgh Steelers Fans’ Bucket List is his sixth book. He is collaborating on a book with former Steelers great Tunch Ilkin, and it will be published in 2018. James Harrison once claimed that Scott Brown owed him $25,000. The latter never paid – and lived to tell about it. Scott spins stories about the near decade he spent covering the Steelers, which included two trips to the Super Bowl and countless anecdotes, during a lunch that will get Steelers fans excited for the upcoming season.
BREAKFASTS
LUNCHEON SPONSORS:
MURRYSVILLE BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION CHAPTER BREAKFAST Thursday, August 3 • 7:45 - 9:00 AM Dick’s Diner, Murrysville
Wednesday, August 16 • 5:00-7:00 PM Redstone Highlands
BASH
(772 Frontier Drive, North Huntingdon, PA 15642)
$10 for non-MBPA members $20 for non-Chamber/non-MBPA members
BREAKFAST BASH Tuesday, August 15 • 7:45 - 9:00 AM Westmoreland County Chamber 241 Tollgate Hill Rd., Greensburg Free for Everyone
COFFEE & CONNECTIONS Tuesday, August 22 • 7:45 - 9:00 AM Hayden’s Pharmacy, Mt. Pleasant $10 For Members/$20 For Future Members
Please join the Westmoreland County Chamber and Redstone Highlands for a nice summer evening on the clubhouse deck on Wednesday, August 16 from 5-7 PM. Come out and enjoy appetizers, refreshments & networking! NO COST TO MEMBERS THANKS TO A SPONSORSHIP BY DOLLAR BANK!
CHAMBER CENTRAL customer experience through state of the art tools in order to provide a unique approach to today’s IT challenges. “Don't confuse us with your local break-fix computer shop,” he says. “Sure, we'll repair a broken computer. But our business is managing your technology to plan for the future, protect your data, minimize downtime and keep your operation running.”
JUSTIN VESTRAND OF EXELOS Meet our Member Spotlight for August: Justin Vestrand, Sales Manager for Exelos. Located in Greensburg, Exelos is a computer service company providing outsourced IT services to businesses in southwestern PA. They provide every service and fill every role that an in-house IT department would be expected to address including hardware, networks and software support, planning and budgeting, backup and disaster recovery, policy management and monitoring, day-to-day help desk, and much more. Justin has been with Exelos since October 2015. In his role, his primary goal is to develop a world-class
Four-time winner of the Tribune-Review’s Reader’s Choice award, Exelos operates with a very hands-on philosophy. “We are proactive and involved, driving systems and solutions designed to minimize the need to be reactive,” he explains. “When reaction is called for, we respond quickly to get you back up and running. It's what we call ‘The Exelos Way’." Justin lives in Jeannette with his wife Jodi and dog Lexi. In his free time, he enjoys spending time on the lake in Deep Creek, Maryland and participating in weekly Trap Shooting tournaments with the Youngwood Sportman’s League. Find out more at www.exelos.com.
America’s Entrepreneurial Roots: A Nation Founded by Small Business Owners The United States may be the most successful startup experiment ever launched, complete with the greatest entrepreneurial manifesto (the Declaration of Independence) ever written and the most brilliant business plan (the Constitution) ever conceived. Not unlike modern day startups, our nation was founded by a group of innovators who firmly believed they had a better solution to a timeless challenge – in their case, how to organize and run a country.
Ben Franklin This founding father had many talents hidden up his sleeve. At the age of 21, he already owned his own newspaper, The Pennsylvania Gazette. This newspaper was one of Franklin’s successes that carried on for 25 years after his death. Back then, printing required more time and money to get the job done well, and Franklin was admired for his hard work and dedication to the craft. And the newspaper did more than update the community on recent news and events – it helped establish income through the sales of entertainment.
Alexander Hamilton
But then, America’s enterprising roots and enduring entrepreneurial spirit won’t be a surprise once you understand the backgrounds of our founding fathers–many of whom, it turns out, were successful small business owners themselves. Here’s a look at some of the entrepreneurial stories behind several of the notable signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Founder of both The National Bank and The New York Post, Alexander Hamilton was an enormously successful entrepreneur before he was a politician (and long before he was center stage on Broadway). Although Hamilton had some obstacles during his childhood growing up, he did not let that hold him back. By the age of 29, he had founded the Bank of New York. Some even call Hamilton America’s first capitalist. He was a strong supporter of small businesses and a firm believer that free enterprise and free markets were a force for good in society.
Thomas Jefferson
George Washington
The primary author of the Declaration of Independence and eventual third president of the United States was a successful landowner, lawyer and farmer before joining the Continental Congress. In 1794, Jefferson added a nail-making business to his blacksmith shop at his Monticello estate, looking to find a new source of income while he restored some of the depleted soil on his farms. Nails were reportedly expensive at the time, and the small nail business proved quite profitable. Jefferson and his family continued to operate the nailery for more than 30 years until the time of his death.
Our nation’s first CEO, if you will, was an entrepreneur in his own right. In addition to owning and managing one of the largest farming plantations in the region, Washington owned a thriving distillery that grew to be one of the largest in the country, producing more than 11,000 gallons of rye whiskey. With a sharp mind for business, Washington would prove to be a strong leader in the early years as we looked to lower our national debt and strengthen America’s credit. Source: www.freeenterprise.com, presented by the US Chamber of Commerce
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CHAMBER CENTRAL
EMBER OVES ILESTONES
&
Each month we celebrate grand openings, ground breakings, anniversaries and other significant events involving our members through various ribbon cuttings and plaque presentations.
Brian Shrift
Joseph Shrift
Brothers Brian and Joseph Shrift have successfully passed the Certified in Risk and Information System Controls (CRISC) exam. Last year they also completed the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam.
CRISC is the most current and rigorous assessment available, to evaluate the risk management proficiency of IT professionals and other employees, within an enterprise or financial institute. Those who earn CRISC help enterprises to understand business risk and have the technical knowledge to implement appropriate information system controls. Brian Shrift is the founder and president of Precision Business Solutions, an IT Management and Security company based in Ebensburg. Brian’s focus is on working with organizations to assess, then mitigate, security risks to their organization. Joseph Shrift, a Senior Associate of IT Attestation for KPMG Federal IT Advisory Group in Washington, DC, helps organiEach month we celebrate grand openings, ground requirements and demonstrate the integrity of their control envizations satisfy third-party risk and compliance assurance breakings, anniversaries significant events ronment. Joseph’s expertise and is in other information security, with special emphasis on federal agency security requirements for information systems. involving our members through various ribbon
cutting events and plaque presentations. DQE Communications, a major provider of data networking services for businesses in southwestern Pennsylvania, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a major milestone — 3,000 route miles. DQE Communications was founded in 1997, and began selling its fiber network in 2000 with about 200 route miles. Today, the firm has 70 employees, 3,050+ route miles, and 1,500 on-net buildings, and has been frequently recognized in Pittsburgh’s 100 Fastest Growing Companies. In 2017, DQE Communications will expand its network south into West Virginia, from Morgantown to Fairmont. The company also plans to develop its fiber network into five new business parks throughout western Pennsylvania.
BASH @ A & S Indoor Pistol Range
BASH @ A & S Indoor Pistol Range
BUILDING BUSINESS
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES BASH @ University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
Luncheon @ St. Vincent College
Luncheon @ St. Vincent College
Luncheon @ St. Vincent College
EMPOWERING EVERYONE
BASH @ University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
BASH @ A & S Indoor Pistol Range
CHAMBER CENTRAL
From the Chairman As our wonderful summer reaches its midpoint, our preeminent county has welcomed back the black and gold faithful to support the Pittsburgh Steelers and their return to St. Vincent College for another grueling training camp. As we watch, enjoy, and offer hope of good things to come, the players plan, learn, execute, and repeat ad nauseum. The constant attention to detail in Latrobe – we hope – will pave the way to success in Minneapolis come February 4, 2018. Football great Herschel Walker always underscored the need to hone his natural talent and once said, “My God given talent is my ability to stick with training longer than anybody else.” After all, hard work and perseverance is “talent” we can all perform every day – and this attitude no doubt caused Walker to be coveted by many other NFL teams. But, what does this have to do with our beloved Latrobe? Well, Walker’s talent placed him as the centerpiece of the 1989 blockbuster 18 player/pick trade by Dallas to Minnesota, which paved the way for the Cowboys’ great teams of the 1990s. Dallas had entertained but rejected a competing offer from Cleveland. The very next year, Dallas traded the 1990 first round pick (#21) acquired from Minnesota in the Walker trade and its third round pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers first round (pick #17), and Dallas used this pick to select a player that later became the NFL’s all-time leading rusher - Emmitt Smith. Smith’s stock fell in the draft because some thought he was too small and too slow. This brings in my story of training and perseverance. Many of you are aware of my problem of being a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan -even after 4 consecutive Super Bowl defeats (SBXXVII and XXVIII at the hands of Emmitt Smith) and a playoff drought now rivalling the alltime worst. Although my mind tells me our best season is the offseason, my heart tells me that each year is “the year.” I have remained loyal in my dedication and consistent in my off-season dedication to my hometown team. Still, as fans we prepare for the success in our role as fan. We buy new hats, shirts, and other paraphernalia. We scour the newsfeeds. We plan tailgates. We sit in our lucky seats. The list goes on. We simply get ready. Just like NFL teams use training camps to get better, our businesses have the same need to plan, learn, execute, and repeat. Our repetition makes us better. We also need to think whether our teams need some added training (in house or formal) to get even better. I am sure there is another Chamber member that can help improve your team’s IT, sales, or customer service skillsets. Your team will appreciate it. In the meantime, I’ll always wonder what would have been had Cleveland acquired Walker and if the Steelers did not trade down with Dallas.
James W. Creenan Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Attorney, Creenan & Baczkowski, PC
Carlow Announces New Graduate Programs and a Unique MicroMaster’s Program Carlow University announces several exciting new advanced degree programs—online, on campus, and at regional Greensburg and Cranberry sites. This fall, Carlow’s College of Health and Wellness offers a new Master of Science in Nursing/ Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program that addresses the unique health care needs of women at all stages of their lives. The new degree compliments several other graduate nursing degree programs—from a Master of Science in Nursing to a Doctor of Nursing Practice. A unique dual MBA/MSN program combines a master’s degree in nursing education and leadership with an MBA that focuses on health care management. The university is also unveiling a new Master of Arts in Art for painters, sculptors, and ceramicists, including valuable studio time and one-onone mentoring by experienced instructors. A new Master of Arts in Student Affairs offers a foundation in counseling and theory while preparing students to foster growth and success in college communities. Other popular graduate psychology programs include a Master of Science in Professional Counseling and a doctorate in Counseling Psychology (PsyD)--one of only three APA-accredited counseling programs with a social justice focus. Students seeking to upskill quickly will be interested in Carlow’s new MicroMaster’s offerings and online graduate certificate in instructional design and technology. MicroMaster’s programs feature three or four graduate courses in an area of specialization for a flat price. Specializations include project management, human resources, fraud and forensics, health care management, alcohol and drug counseling, and trauma counseling. The online graduate certificate in instructional design and technology prepares students to meet the growing demand for designers of e-learning, offering six online courses for a flat fee. For more information about all of Carlow’s graduate and undergraduate offerings, visit carlow.edu or contact Wendy Phillips, director of graduate and adult admission, at 412-578-8861 or wsphillips@carlow.edu.
CHAMBER CENTRAL
The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the following businesses as NEW MEMBERS of our organization: Amy Fauth, Realtor— Coldwell Banker Amy Fauth 7562 Route 30 North Huntingdon, PA 15642 724-875-3714 www.westmorelandcohomes.com Agents & Offices (Real Estate & Construction)
Bellissimo Plastic Surgery & Medi Spa Ella Antimarino 626 North Main Street Greensburg, PA 15601 844-496-6647 www.BellissimoPlasticSurgery.com Medical Services
EMI Sales Inc.
NexTier Bank
Greg Morrison Suite 304B Wellington Square 1225 South Main Street Greensburg, PA 15601 724-205-6601 www.emisales.us Various Industries (Industrial & Manufacturing)
Quality Life Services Apollo
Eyecare Greengate Dr. Chad Green 4566 William Penn Highway Murrysville, PA 15668 724-387-9344 www.eyecaregreengate.com Physicians, Surgeons, Dentists, Eye & Ear Care Professionals
Bogatay Family Law Katie Backovski 429 4th Avenue, Suite 1702 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-471-5100 www.pittsburghfamilylawfirm.com Law Firms & Legal Services
Carolyn L. Hughes, LCSW Carolyn Hughes 114 GFS Club Lane Ligonier, PA 15658 412-315-5664 Psychologists & Counseling Services
Dura-Bond Industries Jason Norris 2658 Puckety Street PO Drawer 518 Export, PA 15632 724-327-0782 www.dura-bond.com Representatives & Distributors (Industrial & Manufacturing)
Jennerstown Speedway Complex LLC Mike Lysakowski 206 Somerset Street Jennerstown, PA 15547 814-703-8009 www.jennerstown.org Spectator Sports
Markiewicz Personal Services, Inc. (MPS tax prep and Cruiseplanners travel) Misty Enos 103 Carroll Lane Latrobe, PA 15650 724-694-2113 www.mpstravel.net Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping
Megan Schaffer 226 Main Street Irwin, PA 15642 724-214-6339 www.nextierbank.com Banks & Credit Unions
Janelle Metnick 151 Goodview Drive Apollo, PA 15613 724-727-3451 www.qualitylifeservices.com Nursing, Senior Care, Residential Services
Somerset Trust Company Ryan M. Fisher 228 West Main Street Ligonier, PA 15658 814-443-9249 www.somersettrust.com Banks & Credit Unions
Special Lite Products LLC Gary Lamolinara 1634 Latrobe Derry Road Loyalhanna, PA 15661 724-537-4711 www.specialliteproducts.com Various Industries (Industrial & Manufacturing)
Tony Vecchio, Realtor— Coldwell Banker Tony Vecchio 7562 Route 30 North Huntingdon, PA 15642 724-244-0495 www.tonyvecchio.cbintouch.com Real Estate Appraisal & Building Inspection Services
CHAMBER CENTRAL 2017 Board of Directors
Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce
James Creenan - Creenan & Baczkowski, PC (Chairman) Michael Storms - Elliott Group (Vice Chair) Michelle Ivill - Vale Vista Associates (Treasurer) Janet Corrinne-Harvey - Trib Total Media (Secretary)
241 Tollgate Hill Road | Greensburg, PA 15601 Phone: 724-834-2900 / Fax: 724-837-7635
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID GREENSBURG, PA PERMIT NO. 123
Linda Dickson - Redstone Presbyterian SeniorCare Walt Henry - THE pt GROUP Physical Therapy Christina Jansure - Jeannette Specialty Glass John Kline - S&T Bank Terri Knupp - West Penn Power/First Energy George O’Brien - YMCA of Greensburg Ron Ott - Excela Health Dr. Gennaro “Jamie” Piraino Jr. - Franklin Regional School District Steve Rennekamp - Energy Swing Windows Jason Rigone - Westmoreland County Industrial Development Company Bradley Roth - Kattan Ferretti Financial James Smith - Economic Growth Connection Dr. Tuesday Stanley - Westmoreland College Paul Ward - Kennametal *Ann Nemanic - Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau *Bill Ferri - Ferri Pharmacy *Michael Egan - CBL Associates/Westmoreland Mall *Tony Vecchio - Coldwell Banker * Ex-officio member
Chamber Staff Chad Amond - President Joanne Pearson - Director of Operations Building Leyla Pilon-Sinclair - Director of Membership Services Tricia Thomas - Director of Communications & Event Planning Grace Markum - Leadership Westmoreland Facilitator/Consultant Jill Cooper - Membership Consultant & Murrysville Chapter Manager
Business. Connecting Communities. Empowering Everyone.