JUNE 2017
CHAMBER CENTRAL
A PUBLICATION OF THE WESTMORELAND COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS JUNE 1 7:45 am - MBPA Chapter Networking Breakfast, Dick’s Diner, Murrysville
WHERE WE STAND
JUNE 5 9:00 am - Annual Golf Classic, Ligonier Country Club (SOLD OUT)
JUNE 8 8:00 am - Marketing Committee Meeting 11:30 am - Monthly Luncheon, Fred Rogers Center at Saint Vincent College, Latrobe
JUNE 16 8:00 am - Small Business Roundtable How to Beat Competition, Strategically
JUNE 20 7:45 am - Breakfast BASH, Family Services of Western PA, South Greensburg
JUNE 21 5:00 pm - BASH, A & S Indoor Pistol Range, Youngwood
JUNE 22 8:00 am - Gov. Affairs Committee Meeting
JUNE 23 8:00 am - Ambassador Committee Meeting
JUNE 27 7:45 am - Coffee & Connections, Hayden’s Pharmacy, Mount Pleasant *Events held in Chamber office unless otherwise noted.
The Chamber’s Board of Directors, with recommendation of the Government Affairs Committee, has released the following ‘Where We Stand’ documentation regarding the Chamber’s stance on issues of importance facing our members and the communities we serve.
collaboratively toward enactment of responsible, on-time, zero-based budgets. Recognizing that financial pressures have complicated finances and budget deliberations at all levels of government, these circumstances will inevitably prompt calls for additional revenue. We strongly believe that all opportunities for cost-savings and other In short, the Westmoreland County Chamber of reforms should be exhausted before any new or Commerce supports pro-business regulations and higher taxes are considered. We support efforts legislation that we believe will make for a better to fairly address the unfunded liability in the business climate without compromising the state and municipal pension systems and provide health, safety, and well-being of the communities for the long-term solvency of these programs. we serve. We take a commonsense approach to identifying policy reforms and legislation that IMPROVING THE BUSINESS underscore our continued commitment to adTAX STRUCTURE vance economic growth across Westmoreland Pennsylvania’s corporate tax policies and tax rate County. As a non-partisan organization, the continue to put the Commonwealth at a competiChamber believes no matter what your political affiliation, responsible citizens from all walks of tive disadvantage. Recent changes including imlife want better paying jobs, stronger schools, proving the tax appeals process, increasing the sound infrastructure, safe neighborhoods, cap on the use of Net Operating Losses, and elimpreservation of natural resources, accountable inating the Capital Stock & Franchise Tax were leadership, and efficient government. The Cham- steps in the right direction. However, compreber embraces our role of convening the right hensive reforms and reductions in business taxes people to tackle issues head on as a way to make are still necessary to help stimulate economic our community a better place to live and work. development. We support reducing the CorpoHere is a brief recap of the position statements: rate Net Income tax rate and a broad-based review of the entire tax structure while opposing RESPONSIBLE SPENDING & the adoption of burdensome reporting requireSMART GOVERNMENT ments, new fees, and additional regulations. The Westmoreland County Chamber urges electContinued on page 3 ed officials at all levels of government to work
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
JUNE MEMBER LUNCHEON Thursday, June 8 • 11:30 AM Fred Rogers Center at Saint Vincent College, Latrobe $25 per member | $40 per future member
COMMUNITY UPDATE: THE STATE OF HEALTHCARE IN WESTMORELAND COUNTY Presented by Bob Rogalski, CEO of Excela Health As we all know, healthcare impacts everyone’s life. In Southwestern PA, we are fortunate to have a strong network of healthcare providers. The largest employer in Westmoreland County is Excela Health, providing nearly 5,000 caregivers committed to making our community a healthier place to live. While challenges continue to face the healthcare sector in terms of insurance coverage, access, competition and development of skilled workers, there is always a need for strong leadership. The Chamber is pleased to welcome Bob Rogalski to update our business community on the state of healthcare in Westmoreland County.
BREAKFASTS
LUNCHEON SPONSORS:
MURRYSVILLE BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION CHAPTER BREAKFAST Thursday, June 1 • 7:45 - 9:00 AM Dick’s Diner, Murrysville
Wednesday, June 21 • 5:00-7:00 PM A & S Indoor Pistol Range
BASH
(617 Overhead Bridge Road, Youngwood, PA 15697)
$10 for non-MBPA members $20 for non-Chamber/non-MBPA members
BREAKFAST BASH Tuesday, June 20 • 7:45 - 9:00 AM Family Services of Western PA 211 Huff Avenue, South Greensburg Free for Everyone
COFFEE & CONNECTIONS Tuesday, June 27 • 7:45 - 9:00 AM Hayden’s Pharmacy, Mt. Pleasant $10 For Members/$20 For Future Members
Please join the Westmoreland County Chamber and A & S Indoor Pistol Range for an evening of networking on Wednesday, June 21 from 5-7 PM. Come out and enjoy appetizers, refreshments & door prizes! NO COST TO MEMBERS THANKS TO A SPONSORSHIP BY DOLLAR BANK!
CHAMBER CENTRAL
JENNIFER RITZ
OF
KEYSTONE BENEFITS GROUP Meet our Member Spotlight for June: Jennifer Ritz of Keystone Benefits Group. Located in Greensburg, Keystone Benefits Group is a comprehensive employee benefits consulting practice helping small to mid-sized businesses tailor their benefit programs to help their employees. They offer investment advisory services to retirement plans and individuals. Jennifer has been with Keystone Benefits for nearly seven years. In her role, she helps with the education aspects of the retirement business, assisting with the initial enrollment meetings and educating participants with regards to their investment choices and in making sense of the complex rules of
Where We Stand
401(k) plans. She also compiles information on client holdings and helps clients make decisions regarding their assets. “I enjoy teaching people how and why to save for their retirement,” she explains. “It is especially fun with the younger workers. It is very rewarding to help them get their careers (and retirement accounts) started on the right foot.”
What does Jennifer enjoy most about her Chamber membership? “I enjoy being a member of the Westmoreland County Chamber and meeting so many nice people and learning about their businesses. We live in a beautiful county and being a member gets me out to places I wouldn’t normally go, for breakfasts, lunches, and BASHes,” she answers.
When Jennifer finds some free time, she enjoys outdoor activities—like hiking, biking and canoeing—with her husband and two teenagers. She also enjoys traveling, gardening and reading. “There is nothing like a weekend at our cabin with no wi-fi, a good book, and a nice glass of wine,” she says. Find out more at www.keystonebg.com.
mount to the long term stability and success of our society. Students Continued from page 1 should have at least a basic knowledge of the importance of free EDUCATION & enterprise, basic economic theories, WORKFORCE the impacts of profit and loss, rules DEVELOPMENT of supply and demand, the imThe Westmoreland County Chamber portance of government and busibelieves a highly skilled, wellness cooperation, and an appreciaeducated population is essential to tion for the role of profitability in our our local economy’s success. Cooper- culture. ation between the public and private sectors is needed to ensure account- ENERGY MARKETS AND ability and accomplishment. The ENVIRONMENTAL Chamber believes students of all CONSCIOUSNESS ages need to pursue appropriate All businesses and residents need educational opportunities to meet access to reliable and affordable the demands of local employers. We energy. This requires a regulatory acknowledge that many jobs in toclimate and necessary infrastructure day’s market do not require a tradito foster exploration, production, tional four-year degree or graduate generation, transmission and distrilevel studies. While professional bution systems throughout the Comoccupations are important, that track monwealth. The Chamber supports may not be appropriate for some the passage of comprehensive enerstudents. Job seekers must be made gy legislation that seeks to increase more aware of the advantages of domestic production and conservapursuing family sustaining jobs in what is often referred to as the ‘blue tion, upgrades our energy delivery system, and encourages developcollar’ sector. ment of new energy technology. It is The Westmoreland County Chamber imperative to the health and wellbeing of our community that energy stands strong in the belief that all sector businesses be environmentally citizens must possess a general unconscious and follow existing reguladerstanding of how our economy tions. The Chamber seeks to encourworks. This understanding is para-
age energy sector growth while at the same time striving to protect the natural environment. We passionately believe these two objectives need not be in direct conflict with one another.
OUR REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT IS NEGATIVELY IMPACTING BUSINESSES The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce supports sensible business regulations. However, we believe that many regulatory agencies have overstepped their bounds by instituting regulations not passed by Congress at the Federal level or by the General Assembly at the State level. The often politically charged regulatory atmosphere has become overly burdensome on the business community. For information on Affordable and Accessible Health Care; Creating an Equitable Civil Justice System; Modern, Safe, Efficient and Reliable Infrastructure Systems, Balanced Labor and Employment Laws and Regulations; and Gaming Revenue and its Impact on Our Local Economy, visit westmorelandchamber.com.
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EMBER OVES ILESTONES
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Each month we celebrate grand openings, ground breakings, anniversaries and other significant events involving our members through various ribbon cuttings and plaque presentations.
Each month we celebrate grand openings, ground breakings, anniversaries and other significant events involving our members through various ribbon cutting events and plaque presentations. Mimmie Yost, alongside staff, family, and cheer / tumble class participants, cut the ceremonial ribbon at CRUSH Athletics on April 25 in Export.
Heather Graham, staff, friends and family cut the ribbon at the Grand Opening of European Wax Center on May 3 in Murrysville.
Marquis Smith and family hosted a Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening celebration at Smith Agency—Allstate on April 27 in Mount Pleasant.
The Central Westmoreland Career & Technology Center industry partnership with the Smail Auto Group was selected as the Pennsylvania Education Workforce Leadership Award Recipients for 2017. The partnership involves the Automotive Youth Educational Systems, (or AYES), which comprises business and education partnerships between high school Automotive Technology programs and automotive dealers as well as aftermarket service employers.
Hempfield Area H.S. students are shown posing with their awards at the 2017 Southwestern Bots IQ Competition. In addition to awards for Best Engineered Robot and Best Engineering Documentation, this is Hempfield Area's 3rd consecutive Grand Championship win against approximately 76 other school districts across the area.
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EMBER OVES ILESTONES
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Chamber Board Member Ann Nemanic has been promoted to Executive Director of The Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau (LHVB). Nemanic began her 30 year marketing career in radio as a copywriter and production director. After moving to Pennsylvania in 1991, she became Director of Sales and Marketing for the former historic Mountain View Inn. After 14 years with the property, Nemanic moved to destination marketing with the LHVB where she has served as Vice President of Partnership and Business Development since 2010. Under her leadership, the LHVB’s partnership base has grown from 350 to more than 600.
Two employees of CME Integrations, a division of CME Websites, a local Digital Marketing Agency located in Jeannette, have achieved Magento Developer Certifications. James Dalby acquired a rare Front End Developer Certification, and Daniel Falk demonstrated that he can skillfully use all business processes in Magento as a “back-end” architect. Magento, an award winning, worldwide leader in e-commerce web platforms, is used by over 260,000 online businesses around the world, powering over $100 billion in transactions a year. According to Magento U, there were previously only 16 certified Developers and 4 certified Front End Developers in PA. Mr. Dalby and Mr. Falk will soon have their names added to the rolls.
Cleaveland/Price has received OSHA’s approval as a Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) participant. This is one of the highest honors that OSHA awards to a worksite. Since 1995 OSHA has been recognizing small business worksites that have shown continuous commitment to improving the safety and health of their workplace. Fewer than 1,600 worksites in the country currently share the honor of the SHARP recognition.
NOAH PONKO, Mount Pleasant Student of the Month for March, and ADELINE NICHOLSON, Southmoreland Student of the Month for March, were honored at a joint luncheon on March 19 at Grille 31 in Mount Pleasant. Pictured (from left) are Laura Sproull of Excela Health, Sponsor; Terri Remaley, Mount Pleasant Teacher; Adeline Nicholson, Student of the Month; Leyla Pilon-Sinclair, Director of Membership Services for the Westmoreland County Chamber; Noah Ponko, Student of the Month; Amy Brown, Southmoreland Teacher; and John Munsch of Excela Health, Sponsor.
Staff Appreciation Luncheon On Wednesday, April 26, over 200 members gathered at the Greensburg Country Club to celebrate Administrative Professionals Day. This annual event helps business owners/managers show their employees how valuable and appreciated they are. Many lucky attendees walked away with valuable grand prizes and beautiful gifts from our huge basket raffle.
CHAMBER CENTRAL The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the following businesses as NEW MEMBERS of our organization: 535Media
Empowering Solutions
Mack M. Darr Company Inc.
Steve Shane 535 Keystone Drive Warrendale, PA 15086 412-320-7947 www.535mediallc.com Advertising, Marketing, PR & Design
Rick Hampton 8457 Broadway Street Westmoreland City, PA 15692 412-390-9416 www.empoweringsolutions.co Business Coaches, Consultants, Speakers, Authors
Bill Stablein 320 West Main Street Ligonier, PA 15658 724-238-5612 www.mackdarrinc.com Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott—Belle Vernon
Deron Farina 1216-1218 Grandview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15211 866-603-5053 www.steelsmithinc.com Building Contractors, Site Development
ArcBest Shawn McCaffrey 1524 Garvin Street Greensburg, PA 15601 724-836-6668 www.arcb.com Hauling, Moving & Freight
Donna’s School of Dance Donna Zerjav 3819 Old William Penn Highway Murrysville, PA 15668 724-733-4017 www.donnasschoolofdance.com Education & Enrichment Programs: Art, Dance, Martial Arts
Corey Babbit 189 Finley Road Belle Vernon, PA 15012 724-929-2800 Overnight Accommodations
Fort Ligonier Days Jack McDowell PO Box 28 Ligonier, PA 15658 724-238-3680 www.FortLigonierDays.com Performing Arts, Fine Arts & Special Events
Steelsmith, Inc.
Weyand Sign & Lighting, LLC Rick Weyand 4277 Lincoln Highway, Suite B Stoystown, PA 15563 814-893-5524 www.weyandsignandlighting.com Signs & Banners
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Pick Up The Piano Anyone who knows me well, knows I have a fondness for recalling humorous (at least to me), often sarcastic modifications of old axioms, clichés, or common phrases that are familiar to most of us. There is one old adage in particular that I’m reminded of when I think of how fortunate our chamber is to have such a dedicated board, committee members, staff, and volunteers. It says, “when it’s time to move the piano, everybody wants to carry the bench.” It’s nothing more than a way of suggesting that many people seem willing to help, but only a select few are willing to do the heavy lifting.
our mission of helping local businesses develop and grow. But it isn’t the only way we’re able to help our members.
Beyond the many networking events, the Westmoreland County Chamber continues to add new programs and services to our portfolio that enhance the value of membership not only in our chamber but in other chambers as well – programs like The WestOur organization is incredibly blessed to have many “piano movers” moreland County Forum for Workforce within our midst who help lead the charge each and every day. They come in many forms. Some serve as ambassadors, committee members Development and Leadership Westmoreland. or event volunteers. Others serve on the Chamber board or donate As you can see, we continue to move forward every day to meet our their time and talent to complete important projects aimed at advancmission of Building Business – Connecting Communities – Empowering ing our mission. Whatever the case, these individuals give generously Everyone. And on behalf of the Chamber’s staff I can tell you that we to make our organization one of the most respected and admired chamare proud to have contributed to the organization’s many successbers of commerce in all of southwestern Pennsylvania. es. But without the day-to-day support of the membership it simply would not be possible to have such a positive impact. In particular, Over the past year, our organization has faced our share of challengwithout the many members who are willing to go above and beyond – es. But we’ve also had our share of victories. For instance, at a time or to borrow a phrase “to help move the piano and not just carry the when many organizations have experienced double digit percentage bench” our success would have fallen short of its full potential. And losses in membership, the Westmoreland County Chamber has manwith that, we give thanks – for you! aged to grow membership numbers that far exceed national averages. We’ve also further strengthened our standing as one of the most active and effective business organizations in all of Southwestern PA. In the past twelve months alone, we’ve hosted over 120 member events. Providing networking events is just one of the ways we meet
Chad Amond, President, Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce
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.
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