MARCH 2017
CHAMBER CENTRAL
A PUBLICATION OF THE WESTMORELAND COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS MARCH 9
8:00 am - Marketing Committee Meeting 11:30 am - Monthly Luncheon, Giannilli’s II, Greensburg
MARCH 10
8:30 am - Small Business Roundtable hosted by The Hormone Center
MARCH 14
8:00 am - Golf Committee Meeting
MARCH 15
8:30 am - Staff Appreciation Luncheon Committee Meeting 5:00 pm - Chamber BASH Block Party, Arthur Murray Dance Center, Petagogy, The Wild Hair Salon, Greensburg
MARCH 20
3:00 pm - New Member Orientation
Chamber Kicks Off Operation Open Doors Following a highly successful and widely talked those you’ve done business with, and get your about inaugural campaign in 2016, the Cham- foot in the door with people you’d like to do ber launched its second Operation Open Doors business with,” she explains. program in February. The chamber extends a huge thank you to the Operation Open Doors is a Membership Direc- dozens of sponsors, members and ambassatory distribution program that allows members dors who help make this program such an to meet fellow members as they drop off amazing success. directories and bags filled with goodies also Businesses who sponsored the 2017 program donated by other members. by donating swag items include Aestique, Blue “We love this program,” says Leyla PilonSky Sign Co., Chick-fil-A, Commercial Bank & Sinclair, Director of Membership Services for Trust of PA, Dan the Swag Man, Graham Insurthe Chamber. “It is directly in line with our ance Group, Kepple-Graft Funeral Home, Mr. mission of ‘Building Business, Connecting Rooter, Penneco Outdoor Advertising, Private Communities, Empowering Everyone. It’s a Industry Council/Dads Matter, Redstone Highgreat opportunity to make connections, thank lands, Stanwood Area Federal Credit Union, Unity Printing, USX Federal Credit Union and The Wilson Group.
MARCH 21
7:45 am - Breakfast BASH, Sam’s Club, Greensburg
MARCH 23
8:00 am - Government Affairs Committee Meeting
MARCH 24
8:00 am - Ambassador Committee Meeting
MARCH 28
7:45 am - Breakfast BASH, Holiday Inn Express, Mount Pleasant 5:00 pm - Ribbon Cutting, Park Avenue Wealth Management, Greensburg *Events held in Chamber office unless otherwise noted.
Amanda Stone from Guardian Construction delivers a bag to Dr. Nick Neratka at FLOW Spine & Sport.
Rob Slater from PeopleShare delivers a bag to Connie Michael at Circuits, LLC.
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
MARCH MEMBER LUNCHEON Thursday, March 9 • 11:30 AM • Giannilli’s II, Greensburg $25 per member | $40 per future member BUSINESS BINGO: A fun twist in business networking that is exciting, enjoyable and effective! How does it work? Upon arrival, you’ll mingle with other guests from all over Westmoreland County as you fill up a BINGO card with names of new contacts and potential clients. Then get ready to share with the whole group who you are, what you do and who would make a great referral when business cards are drawn during the prize round. You’ll want to bring a snappy elevator pitch and tons of business cards! Sound complicated? It’s not. Come to the luncheon and check it out. Who said networking can’t be fun?
BREAKFASTS
LUNCHEON SPONSORS:
Wednesday, March 15 • 5:00-7:00 PM 6150 Route 30, Greensburg, PA 15601 (In the new plaza across from Lakeview)
BASH
Greensburg
BREAKFAST BASH Tuesday, March 21 7:45 - 9:00 AM Sam’s Club, Greensburg Free for Everyone
Mount Pleasant
BREAKFAST BASH Tuesday, March 28 7:45 - 9:00 AM Holiday Inn Express, Mt. Pleasant Free for Everyone
- Suite 400 -
- Suite 300 -
- Suite 100 -
It’s 3 times the fun! Join us for a Block Party BASH on Wednesday, March 15 from 5-7 PM! Come out and enjoy refreshments, door prizes, demonstrations, and tons of networking! No cost to members thanks to a Sponsorship by Dollar Bank!
4
CHAMBER CENTRAL
Tips for Creating an Intriguing Elevator Pitch
When someone asks what you or your organization does, are you prepared with an on-message, concise explanation? If somebody asked 10 people in your organization what your company does, would they get similar answers? If not, you may be missing countless opportunities to establish and reinforce brand awareness. To maintain consistency of message across all your audiences, I suggest you develop and share an elevator pitch with your organization.
Elevator What? Okay, everyone might not know what an elevator speech is (you can probably figure it out). Simply put, an elevator speech is a brief description of your organization—who you are, what you do and why it matters — delivered in the time it would take to move between floors in an elevator (that’s not a long time). An effective elevator pitch should leave your audience wanting more, while answering the essential questions about your organization. A great place to start your elevator speech is to adapt your boilerplate (e.g. the paragraph at the end of press releases or other marketing collateral). Whether you have a boilerplate or not, here are four tips for creating an intriguing elevator pitch:
HALEIGH DEFOOR, Mount Pleasant Student of the Month for December, was honored at a luncheon on January 19 at Leo’s Pub & Grille in Mount Pleasant. Pictured (from left) are Leyla Pilon-Sinclair, Director of Membership Services for the Westmoreland County Chamber; Penny Zeisloft of White Insurance Agency, Sponsor; Haleigh DeFoor, Student of the Month; and Jodi Ovitsky, Mount Pleasant Teacher.
1. Incorporate a positioning statement. Why should someone care about you, your organization or endeavor? When possible, leverage an emotional connection.
2. Include a distinctive. For example were you the first or only one to do something? Perhaps you are the largest or oldest. These distinctives help set you apart and provide credibility.
3. Don’t forget the basics. Who does your organization/endeavor benefit? How does your organization benefit someone?
4. Finish with an ‘ask’. If applicable, be sure to close by saying what others can do to get involved and incorporate a website address where people can get more information.
Bonus Tip: can your elevator pitch answer the “so what?” ques-
TAYLOR EUTSEY, Southmoreland Student of the Month for
tion before it’s asked? When you deliver your pitch, most people will unconsciously be saying “so what?” Answer it for them. For example, instead of “XYZ company makes your grass grow slower,” try “XYZ company makes your grass grow slower so you don’t have to mow it as often.” See how the “so what?” is answered in the speech?
December, was honored at a luncheon on February 6 at Grille 31 in Mount Pleasant. Pictured (from left) are Elizabeth Goodman, Southmoreland Teacher; Taylor Eutsey, Student of the Month; Johnathan Garlow of Ford Business Machines, Sponsor; Leyla Pilon-Sinclair, Director of Membership Services for the Westmoreland County Chamber; and Lauren Over of Ford Business Machines, Sponsor.
Source: www.journalistics.com
CHAMBER CENTRAL Andrew says that the reason why he started Clarity Squared, and also what brings him the most fulfillment in his career, is coming alongside small businesses to give them clarity in what to do with online marketing. “Businesses often do not know where to focus their efforts in this area. We have met our goal when we see the success of our clients that resulted from our partnership,” he explains.
ANDREW GREGORY OF CLARITY SQUARED Meet our Member Spotlight for March: Andrew Gregory, founder/owner of Clarity Squared.
M
Clarity Squared is a marketing agency that specializes in online marketing – from website design to Facebook advertising, email marketing, and pay per click advertising. They focus on partnering with businesses to provide the expertise, training, and relationship needed to help them reach their goals.
EMBER OVES ILESTONES
&
Bob & April Gonze and the staff at Blue Sky Sign Co. celebrated their Grand Opening with a huge Launch Party on January 19 in Greensburg.
What does Andrew enjoy most about his Chamber membership? “I believe that face-to-face interactions are the best way to build trust, which is important in any business relationship. The Westmoreland County Chamber has excellent events to connect businesses and the team there is great,” he says. In his free time, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and three young kids, playing a variety of sports, and participating in running and biking events. Find out more at www.claritysquared.com.
The American International Automobile Dealers Association announced Jim Smail as the recipient of its David F. Mungenast Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award during its 47th Annual Meeting and Luncheon in New Orleans. Smail is the President of Smail Auto Group, a group of ten new car dealership franchises that has been family owned and operated for over 78 years and provides employment for over 435 people. A longtime member of AIADA, he served as the association’s chairman in 2011
Renee Rosemeier, Jeffrey Alexander, and the staff at LabCorp cut the ceremonial ribbon at their new location on Pellis Road in Greensburg on February 9.
CHAMBER CENTRAL From the
Chairman...
We all know that there is no substitute for hard work in the business world. We know there is a direct correlation between your bottom line and the ability to execute your business plans. But, as St. Patrick’s Day approaches with reminders of all things green and the Luck ‘O the Irish, I am reminded that sometimes there is a direct correlation between your Green and plain old pure luck. Ben Franklin (“Diligence is the mother of good luck.”), Seneca (“Luck is where opportunity meets preparation.”), Emily Dickinson (“Luck is not chance, it's toil; fortune's expensive smile is earned.”), Thomas Jefferson (“I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.") and others all would disagree in the idea of pure luck.
Was it hard work or pure luck that gave the Penguins the “win” in the 2005 NHL draft lottery and allowed them to pick Sidney Crosby? The Penguins and 3 other teams each had 3 lottery balls, but Pittsburgh landed the #1, Columbus the # 6, Buffalo the #12, and the Rangers #13. No offense to Gilbert Brule, Marc Staal, and Marek Zagrapan (and the rest of the 2005 first round draft class), but there is no denying the Penguins rode 2005’s “pure luck” to two more Stanley Cups with several more to come. In the business world, many successful business people have made their own luck by being prepared and in the right place at the right time. I encourage you to read about the paths of America’s business leaders. Was each skilled or just lucky? Maybe both. We all know Bill Gates dropped out of college, but he attended one of the few schools at the time that offered unlimited access to computers. When asked how much of his success he would attribute to luck, Gates allowed that it played "an immense role." In particular, Microsoft was launched at an ideal
time: "Our timing in setting up the first software company aimed at personal computers was essential to our success," he noted. "The timing wasn’t entirely luck, but without great luck it wouldn’t have happened." In “The Success Equation: Untangling Skill and Luck in Business, Sports, and Investing”, author Michael J. Mauboussin posits that there is no way to improve your luck, because anything you do to improve a result can reasonably be considered skill. I also encourage you to read articles and blogs on luck and skill. You likely will find that the bottom line common denominator (in addition to having good legal counsel) is having the courage to seize the opportunity created by preparation and chance. After all, your success depends on your luck. James W. Creenan Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Attorney, Creenan & Baczkowski, PC
and has dedicated his time to other industry leadership roles, including serving as board member and past president of the Greater Pittsburgh Auto Dealers Association, a board member of the Pennsylvania Auto Association, and the Honda and Acura Dealer Advisory Councils.
ple programs in the local school districts. He is also dedicated to breast cancer awareness—spearheading the “Smail Cares” campaign that has resulted in over $390,000 raised for awareness and local women’s health organizations. Feherty’s Troops First Foundation is also close to Jim’s heart. Over the last 5 years, In addition to his leadership in he has helped to raise the auto industry, Smail also $2,000,000 with David Feherty has made a tireless investment for military members who in his community. His business have been wounded while is a longtime member of the serving in Iraq and AfghaniWestmoreland County stan. Chamber and supports multi-
Donald A. Paulone Custom-Built Homes, Inc. was recently awarded the 2016 Home Excellence Award from the Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh for the “Best Single Family Attached Home of the Year” under $300,000. Showcased was a ranch-style villa at the Villas at Grayhawk condominium community located in Unity Township. Submissions were based on the use of materials and space, interior design, exterior design and curb appeal. Donald A. Paulone Custom-Built Homes, Inc. is a residential and commercial builder/developer located in Greensburg.
Dr. Nick Neratka and his staff at FLOW Spine & Sport hosted a Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Celebration on February 11 in Greensburg.
Mr. Paulone had this to say about the achievement, “As a 3rd generation builder since 1949, accepting this award was a great honor and validation of our hard work, team work and dedication in providing a home that our buyers will treasure for many years to come.”
CHAMBER CENTRAL
Leadership Class of 2016-2017
ment journey in September 2017 with a retreat setting the stage for a series of monthly sessions. Each session will have a particular focus and will be held at various locations around the county to help immerse participants in the focus topic. By graduation, 10 leadership competencies will be assimilated. Team projects will provide an impactful and practical learning experience in community stewardship and leadership by service as well as reinforce facilitative leadership skills. Please consider allowing a member of your team to apply for this program and become an even more valuable asset to your organization and to all of Westmoreland County.
Another means of participating in Leadership Westmoreland is through sponsorship. Operthe torch will soon be passed. But they can't ating a program of this caliber requires adedo it on their own. They need help on their quate funding. If you agree that developing journey toward gaining the skills and experithe next generation of leaders is worthy of ence needed to assume tomorrow's leaderyour support, please consider a number of ship positions, which is why Leadership sponsorship opportunities. Each level offers Westmoreland was relaunched in 2015. community visibility for you, your business, and You are invited to participate in the develop- your team while demonstrating your support ment of tomorrow's leaders by playing a of this important initiative. What will our future leadership look like? pivotal role in Leadership Westmoreland's For more information or to apply, visit Who will move Westmoreland County and Class of 2017-18. leadershipwestmoreland.com, email our businesses forward? We believe it's critileadership@westmorelandchamber.com or cal that today's leaders look over their shoul- A cohort of approximately 20 professionals ders and identify those individuals to whom will begin their 9-month leadership develop- contact Grace at 724-834-2900 ext. 205.
Be a Part of Leadership Westmoreland
42nd Annual Westmoreland County Prayer Breakfast The WCCC Community Choir
V.F.W. Post 33
Jim Creenan, Chairman, Chamber Board of Directors; James Bendel, Emcee; Sergeant Eric Nelson; Corporal James Gregg; Colonel Frank Ziemkiewicz; and Chad Amond, Chamber President
The 42nd annual Westmoreland County Prayer Breakfast once again left attendees feeling inspired. Close to 500 gathered for the annual event that aims to motivate and inspire community leaders, residents, employers, educators and students. This year, the breakfast focused on ‘Saluting Those Who Serve’ with Colonel Frank Ziemkiewicz, O.S.B. as keynote speaker.
Students from Greater Latrobe School District
CHAMBER CENTRAL The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the following businesses as NEW MEMBERS of our organization: Aerotek
Paige Bruce 400 Penn Center East Pittsburgh, PA 15235 412-702-1505 Employment & Staffing Agencies, HR Management
Affordable Decks of Westmoreland
Ed Avau 99 Ernest Avenue Monongahela, PA 15063 724-503-3325 www.affordable-decks.com Building Contractors, Site Development
ASA Concrete Services
Anthony Santone 514 Bovard Luxor Road PO Box 606 Greensburg, PA 15601 724-850-7233 www.asaconcrete.com Pavement & Property Maintenance
Bigi Medias LLC
Richard Bigi 75 Glenview Avenue Greensburg, PA 15601 412-218-1141 www.bigimedias.com Business Coaches, Consultants, Speakers, Authors
Clean Solutions LLC
Mark Derdich 48 Buttermilk Hollow Road North Huntingdon, PA 15642 412-754-0275 www.cleansolutions-llc.com Professional Contract Cleaners
Cory Services Inc.
Christina Gravante 1080 3rd Street North Versailles, PA 15137 412-824-2629 www.corycleaning.com Cleaning Services & Concierge
Fort Pitt Capital Group
Peter Jannetta 680 Andersen Drive, Foster Plaza Ten Pittsburgh, PA 15220 412-944-7868 Financial Advisors, Retirement Services
Green Home Solutions
Mylo Markovich 105 Cannon Drive Greensburg, PA 15601 724-309-9070 www.greenhomesolutions.com/locator/ 1201.202.pa-westmoreland-county/ Restoration & Waterproofing Services
HR Help4You LLC
Logos-now.com Phil Powell PO Box 2143 Cranberry Township, PA 16066 412-217-8020 www.logos-now.com Advertising Specialties, Corporate Gifts
Park Avenue Wealth Management Lisa Krall 143 Hartman Road, Suite #9 Greensburg, PA 15601 724-858-1122 www.ParkAveWealth.com Financial Advisors, Retirement Services
Pittsburgh Camera Colin Sheehy 1002 Pheasant Lane Export, PA 15632 714-318-6286 www.pittsburghcamera.com Photography, Videography, Audio Recording
Monica Diacopoulos 4158 Old William Penn Highway Murrysville, PA 15668 724-787-1594 www.HRHelp4You.com Employment & Staffing Agencies, HR Management
Reuss Industries Inc
J Mashey Agency
State Representative Eric Nelson
James Mashey 4125 Old William Penn Highway Murrysville, PA 15668 724-519-2935 www.farmersagent.com/jmashey Agents & Offices (Finance & Insurance)
Melanie Reuss 195 Waltz Mill Flat Road Madison, PA 15663 724-722-3300 www.reussindustries.com Machinery, Parts & Tooling
Eric Nelson 101 Ehalt Street, Suite 105 Greensburg, PA 15601 724-834-6400 Elected Officials
The Nichols Law Group Matthew Nichols 560 Rugh Street, Suite 150 Greensburg, PA 15601 724-864-2327 Law Firms & Legal Services
velocityHUB Francois Gau 2380 Mt. Vernon Avenue Export, PA 15632 724-875-5358 Business Coaches, Consultants, Speakers, Authors
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 - Northwood Realty * Ex-officio member
Chamber Staff Chad Amond - President Joanne Pearson - Director of Operations Leyla Pilon-Sinclair - Director of Membership Services Tricia Thomas - Director of Communications & Event Planning Grace Markum - Leadership Westmoreland Facilitator
Building Business. Connecting Communities. Empowering Everyone.