Issuu

WESTMORELAND COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CHAMBER CONNECT December 2023 (Edition – 12) Inside this issue:

FEATURED ARTICLE

Shop Local

5 Additional Benefits to Shopping Local 1. Shopping local lessens your carbon footprint. Instead of needing to burn greenhouse gas-emitting fuel to ship products to your area, goods and services have much shorter distances to go. 2. You’ll find a much higher quality of food and goods than things shipped from overseas or longer distances. 3. Local shop owners will often be able to personalize items, making those holiday gifts even more meaningful to the recipients. 4. Creatives get additional exposure through your purchases. While supporting their craft, you also expand their ability to reach new potential audiences by gifting their creations. 5. Many businesses will offer additional perks and incentives during the holiday season to thank you for your business. Even if you didn’t come in for the coffee or gift-wrapping option, they are the little ways owners can thank you for your business!

The Vital Role of Small Businesses in the Face of Economic Uncertainties Tribune Review Op-Ed By Dan DeBone In the intricate tapestry of the American economy, small businesses and mom-and-pop establishments serve as the vibrant threads that bind communities together. These enterprises, often the lifeblood of rural areas, face unprecedented challenges as we navigate through the uncertainties of today's economic landscape. The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce, recognizing the essential role of small businesses, takes a closer look at the status quo of these invaluable contributors to our community and the nation at large. The current economic climate has cast a shadow of uncertainty across various sectors, impacting businesses of all sizes. Small enterprises, however, often bear the brunt of these challenges due to their limited resources and susceptibility to fluctuations in consumer behavior and economic policies. One of the primary concerns echoing through the corridors of small businesses is the impact of high-interest rates. As borrowing costs rise, the ability of small enterprises to invest in growth, hire employees, and weather financial storms is significantly compromised. This, coupled with the rising tide of consumer prices, creates a delicate balancing act for businesses striving to maintain affordability while sustaining profitability. In urban centers and, more critically, in rural communities, small businesses are not just economic entities; they are the heartbeat of daily life. These establishments bring more than products and services to their locales; they provide a sense of identity, community, and continuity. Losing these establishments could lead to a severe erosion of the fabric that binds rural communities together. The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce recognizes the resilience and tenacity of our local entrepreneurs. In the face of economic uncertainties, these small businesses continue to play a pivotal role in driving innovation, fostering job creation, and contributing to the unique character of our region. It is crucial to acknowledge the multifaceted challenges faced by small businesses. Many entrepreneurs are grappling with the need to adapt to rapidly evolving consumer preferences and the digital transformation of commerce. The advent of e-commerce giants has reshaped the retail landscape, prompting local businesses to explore innovative ways to stay competitive and relevant in a tech-driven marketplace. Despite these challenges, the community support for small businesses remains a beacon of hope. Consumers are increasingly recognizing the profound impact of their choices. Choosing to patronize local businesses not only sustains the unique character of our neighborhoods but also ensures that dollars circulate within the community, promoting economic resilience. The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce actively advocates for policies that support the growth and sustainability of small businesses. We believe that fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurship is integral to the prosperity of our community. This includes advocating for reasonable interest rates, promoting local economic development initiatives, and facilitating access to resources that empower small businesses to thrive.

In this dynamic landscape, collaboration between local government, community organizations, and small businesses is paramount. By fostering a supportive ecosystem, we can empower small businesses to weather economic storms and contribute meaningfully to the resilience of our community. As we navigate these uncertain times, it is crucial to celebrate the indomitable spirit of our local entrepreneurs. The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce encourages residents to embrace the 'Shop Local' ethos, recognizing the profound impact that individual choices can have on the well-being of our community. In conclusion, small businesses are the backbone of Westmoreland County and countless communities across the nation. In the face of economic uncertainties, high-interest rates, and rising consumer prices, it is imperative that we rally behind our local entrepreneurs. Their success is intertwined with the prosperity and resilience of our community. The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce remains committed to supporting and advocating for the small businesses that enrich the fabric of our region. Together, let us nurture our roots and ensure a vibrant future for Westmoreland County.

Dear Westmoreland County Chamber Members, As the holiday season unfolds, I want to extend warm greetings to each and every one of you. This time of year is not just about festive decorations and cheerful melodies; it's an invaluable opportunity for introspection and connection with what truly matters – our family and friends, our community, and the shared spirit of joy during this holiday season. In the midst of our demanding professional lives, it becomes increasingly important to pause, recharge, and relish the moments that breathe life into our existence. I understand that finding time for reflection may seem challenging, especially given the fast-paced nature of today's world, the uncertainties in our economy, and the myriad of responsibilities we carry. However, I encourage you to join me in taking a brief hiatus from the daily grind to immerse ourselves in the essence of the season. Reflection during the holidays must include: Family First: Cherish the moments with your loved ones. Family is the cornerstone of our lives, and the holidays offer a perfect opportunity to strengthen those bonds. Friends as Family: Reach out to friends who have become an integral part of your journey. Friendship is a treasure that deserves acknowledgment and celebration. Community Connection: Consider the ways in which you can give back to our community. Whether through acts of kindness, volunteering, or supporting local initiatives, contributing to our community enriches us all. Mindful Presence: Practice mindfulness in your daily activities. Being present in the moment can enhance your overall well-being and deepen your connections with others. Gratitude Journal: Create a gratitude journal and jot down the things you are thankful for. Reflecting on positive aspects can shift your perspective and foster a sense of contentment. Digital Detox: Take a break from the digital world. Unplugging for a while allows you to be fully present with those around you and rejuvenates your mind. Well-Deserved Rest & Exercise: Prioritize self-care by ensuring you get adequate rest. A well-rested mind and body are better equipped to navigate the challenges of the upcoming year. Reflection on Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your personal and professional achievements. Recognizing your successes is a powerful motivator for continued growth. Random Acts of Kindness: Spread joy by engaging in random acts of kindness. Small gestures can have a profound impact on others and contribute to a positive community atmosphere. Setting Boundaries: Learn to set boundaries in both personal and professional spheres. Understanding your limits is key to maintaining balance and overall well-being. As we collectively step back from the daily hustle, let's embrace the warmth and joy that the holiday season brings. May this time of reflection pave the way for a rejuvenated spirit and a renewed sense of purpose. Wishing you all a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year. Warm regards,

Dan DeBone

This event is made possible because of our generous sponsors: PLATINUM

GOLD

SILVER

CEUs for Ethics may be available for select sessions. Stay tuned for more information!

Their motto…”PEOPLE MATTER” The folks at Achieving True Self are so kind and LOVE their jobs! And we just love how involved they are in the community and with us as a chamber. Their facility is simply amazing and what they do to help those with autism and in need of behavioral health services is outstanding! They cultivate growth and help individuals achieve independence, attain jobs, and form relationships. They are so apparently proud of each individual on their team and what they bring to the table at ATS! Thank you for hosting the November Wake Up Westmoreland breakfast and providing a tour for our members!

What an amazing night celebrating with the Women of Westmoreland at the inaugural fashion show! Fifteen vendors displayed both goods and services at their tables and five members participating in the fashion portion of the event, showcasing their fall lines. Donations were collected for both Angela’s Angels and WIN. Kelly Brisbane did a wonderful job as the show emcee and the Platinum event sponsor, Independence Health System spoke on women's health.

The Chamber staff was honored to attend the PACP Leadership Conference in Bedford on November 13-15. We networked with other chamber members and gained so many great ideas to implement at the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce beginning next year!

Chamber’s Financial Wellness & News for December! The Advantage of a Well-Designed Communication and Education Strategy in Employee Benefits Few business owners would disagree that a comprehensive employee benefit program plays a critical role in the acquisition and retention of key talent, fostering employee well-being and contributing to the overall success of a company. To ensure that employees can fully understand and appreciate the value of these offerings, effective communication and education is paramount. The importance of education and communication in employee benefit programs cannot be understated. Clear, targeted, and engaging communication combined with robust education initiatives can maximize the impact of benefit programs, enhance employee satisfaction, and drive positive health outcomes. Comprehensive and transparent communication is fundamental in ensuring that employees are well informed about their benefit options. Employers should provide accessible, concise, and easy to understand information that clearly outlines the benefits available, eligibility criteria, enrollment procedures, and any changes to existing plans. By utilizing a variety of communication methods, such as emails, intranet portals, webinars and in-person meetings, employers can reach all employees regardless of their level of benefit knowledge and proactively address potential areas of concern or confusion. Transparent communication fosters trust and empowers employees to make informed decisions about their benefits, increasing overall program participation and satisfaction. Similarly, a sound education strategy is essential to help employees fully understand the value and purpose of the benefits being provided by their employer. Offering educational resources, such as workshops, seminars, webinars, and other informative materials, provides a means for employees to more adequately grasp the intricacies of their benefit packages. These initiatives can explain the importance of various benefits, outline coverage details, highlight cost-sharing responsibilities, and provide examples of how benefits can be utilized effectively. By equipping employees with this knowledge, organizations empower their workers to make informed decisions, maximize the use of available benefits and appreciate the investment made by the company in employee well-being. Both communication and education efforts should be continuous and not limited to initial onboarding or open enrollment periods. Employers should establish a continuous feedback loop by seeking employee input and regularly communicating updates, enhancements, and new offerings within the benefits portfolio. This approach ensures that employees remain engaged, informed, and provides the greatest opportunity for a substantial return of investment on benefit dollars spent. Additionally, conducting regular program evaluations and soliciting employee feedback through surveys or focus groups enables organizations to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to better align benefits to match employee needs and expectations.

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! SATURDAY DECEMBER 2

RIBBON CUTTING 1ST SUMMIT BANK—EASTGATE PLAZA

10:00-12:00

WEDNESDAY

HOLIDAY BUSINESS EXPO

DECEMBER 6

ANTONELLI’S EVENT CENTER

5:00-8:00 PM

(Registration CLOSED)

THURSDAY JANUARY 11

“GET IN THE GAME” KICK OFF LUNCHEON LIVE! CASINO

11:30-1:15

TUESDAY

WAKE UP WESTMORELAND

JANUARY 16

Location TBD

8:00-9:15

PRAYER BREAKFAST FRIDAY JANUARY 19 7:00-9:00 AM

EMBRACING COMMON GROUND: ~love for your community, support for the youth, & having faith~

STRATIGOS BANQUET CENTER

MONDAY

ADVISORY GROUP ROUND TABLE

JANUARY 29

(CLOSED GROUP)

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 31

BUSINESS AFTER SCHEDULED HOURS (BASH) Location TBD

4:30-6:30

Click the button on the right to register Or go to https://business.westmorelandchamber.com/chamber-calendar

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP MILESTONES

2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

50 Year Anniversary

Bradley Roth - McDowell Associates (Chair)

Dollar Bank Greengate office Hempfield Area School District

The Buncher Company Westmoreland Conservation District 40 Year Anniversary Westmoreland Telephone Company

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

35 Year Anniversary First Commonwealth Bank—New Stanton First Commonwealth Bank—Youngwood Hempfield Mini Storage Wesley Family Services 20 Year Anniversary Gibson Stainless & Specialty, Inc. Master-Lee Mini Storage, Inc. 15 Year Anniversary 1st Summit Bank—Latrobe Mr. Waterheater of Westmoreland County 10 Year Anniversary Shop ‘N Save—Murrysville

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

5 Year Anniversary

Dan DeBone - President & CEO

Donohue’s Heating & Cooling Mt. Pleasant Window & Remodeling Co.

Joanne Pearson - Senior Director of Operations

Port of Pittsburgh Commission Squeegee Squad

Lisa Kennedy - Director of Business Development Lindsay Neary–Events & Communications Manager Patrice Palmiere - Administrative Assistant Grace Markum - Leadership Westmoreland Facilitator/Consultant

1st Summit Bank—Eastgate Plaza

Medwize L.l.C.

Sendell Subaru

Bruce Pascarella

Christine Mohler-King

Alysha McCauley

4530 William Penn Highway #530

5085 US –30

5150 US-30 Eastgate Plaza

Murrysville, PA 15668

Greensburg, PA 15601

412-418-8274

724-837-1600

888-262-4010

bpascarella@medwizellc.com

info@sendellmotors.com

amccauley@1stsummit.bank

http://www.medwizellc.com

www.sendellsubaru.com

www.1stsummit.bank

Law Firms—Legal Services

New & Used Dealerships

Sendell Volkswagen

A+ Home Care, LLC

Professional Money Management

Ashley Sullivan-Pernell

Jacob Hostetler

5079 US –30

3025 Jacks Run Road, Suite 4

605 N. Church Street

White Oak PA 15131

Mt. Pleasant, PA 15666

412-418-8274

724-547-0988

info@sendellmotors.com

ashley@aplushomecareonline.com

jake.hostetler@lpl.com

www.sendellvolkswagen.com

www.professionalmoneymgmt.com

New & Used Dealerships

Banks & Credit Unions

Home Health Care & Hospice Care

Alliance Risk Group, Inc. Jen Kerrigan 56 Clifton Country Road Suite 203 Clifton Park, NY 12065 518-514-2947

Financial Advisors/Planners-Retirement

Sendell Mitsubishi Christine Mohler-King 5079 US –30 Greensburg, PA 15601 724-837-1600 info@sendellmotors.com

jkerrigan@allianceriskgroup.com

www.sendellmitsubishi.com

www.allianceriskgroup.com Payroll-Merchant-AdministrativeBackground Check Services

New & Used Dealerships

Christine Mohler-King Greensburg, PA 15601 724-837-1600

111 S CENTER AVE SUITE 4 NEW STANTON, PA 15672

ABOUT US Clean-N-Shine is a family owned and operated professional cleaning business that has been servicing South-Western PA for several years and now offering serves in Ohio. We are insured and bonded, as well as members to several chambers of commerce.

What We Offer: Commercial Cleaning Industrial Cleaning Medical Cleaning Post Construction Cleanup Move-Ins and Move-Outs Window Cleaning Carpet Cleaning Floor Stripping and Waxing Porter Services and More

www.cleannshine14.org

1-888-904-9774 724-691-0413 info@cleannshine14.org

Vendors Needed Sign up to be an exhibitor at Westmoreland County’s premier wedding showcase.

To apply, visit ggccevents.org/events/wedding-expo/ Questions? Email sreilly@wctrust.net

World-Class Specialty Care Close to Home A UPMC

4448 Old William Penn Hwy. Murrysville, PA 15668

SPECIALTY CARE

Phone: 833-724-0998

UPMC.com/ OldWmPennHwySC • Cardiothoracic Care

• Neurology

• Diabetes and Endocrinology

• Pulmonology

(Telemedicine) • Heart and Vascular Care

B UPMC

• Rheumatology • Urology

410 Pellis Road, Lower Level Greensburg, PA 15601

OUTPATIENT CENTER

Phone: 724-853-4559

UPMC.com/PellisRoadOPC • Cardiothoracic Care

• Neurology

• Diabetes and Endocrinology

• Obstetrics and

• Ear, Nose, and Throat

(Telemedicine)

Gynecology Services

• Orthopaedic Care

• Gastrointestinal (GI) Care

• Pain Management

• General Surgery

• Pulmonology

• Heart and Vascular Care

• Urology

• Imaging Services Indiana

376

All UPMC doctors and hospitals accept most major insurers, including Aetna, Cigna, Highmark, United Healthcare, and UPMC Health Plan. If you have questions, please call our help line at 1-855-646-8762.

A Murrysville 22

EAST533165 DL/CD 9/23

Greensburg

HOLIDAY

FOOD

DRIVE BENEFITTING THE WESTMORELAND COUNTY FOOD BANK

NOVEMBER 1 - DECEMBER 21 DROP OFF AT: 4000 TRIANGLE LANE, SUITE 200 EXPORT, PA 15632 Contact us:

724-733-4334

Click the document for a printable version of the 2024 calendar.

Kick off 2024 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort for a joint collaboration with over 20 first-class regional organizations for a business networking reception you won't soon forget! The reception is from 5-8pm, but feel free to come earlier to ski and take in the resort atmosphere. Enjoy special discounted guest rates for lodging! Registration Link

Chamber Staff Dan DeBone

Joanne Pearson

CEO/President

Senior Director of Operations

Lisa Kennedy

Lindsay Neary

Director of Business Development

Events & Communications Manager

241 Tollgate Hill Road Greensburg, PA 15601

Patrice Palmiere Administrative Assistant

724-834-2900 info@westmorelandchamber.com