MAY 2017
CHAMBER CENTRAL
A PUBLICATION OF THE WESTMORELAND COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS MAY 3
5:00 pm - Ribbon Cutting, European Wax Center, Murrysville
MAY 11
8:00 am - Marketing Committee Meeting
MAY 12
11:30 am - Monthly Luncheon, Fort Ligonier Center for History Education, Ligonier
MAY 16
7:45 am - Breakfast BASH, UPMC Centers for Rehab Services, Greensburg 8:00 am - Golf Committee Meeting
MAY 17 5:00 pm - BASH, University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
MAY 19
8:00 am - Ambassador Committee Meeting
MAY 23
7:45 am - Coffee & Connections, Hayden’s Pharmacy, Mount Pleasant
MAY 24
7:30 am - Tech Expo, Advanced Technology Center, Mount Pleasant
MAY 25
8:00 am - Gov. Affairs Committee Meeting 2:00 pm - New Member Orientation *Events held in Chamber office unless otherwise noted.
LEADERSHIP WESTMORELAND CLASS OF 2017 TO GRADUATE ON MAY 11
On Thursday, May 11, the Leadership Westmoreland Class of 2017 will be honored during a graduation reception at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art. The cohort includes 20 men and women from a wide array of businesses and industries. Leadership Westmoreland is a 9-month program open to individuals living or working in Westmoreland County. Its mission is to empower individuals to learn, grow and lead. In monthly, full-day sessions that include site visits and dialogue with key decision makers, participants learn how the county operates, acquire insight into decision making and gain access to vital resources. Over 40 guest presenters participated in the program, sharing their knowledge and expertise. Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce President, Chad Amond, commented, “It has been amazing to watch this diverse group of professionals embrace Leadership West-
moreland and take advantage of every opportunity to learn about the County and network with key decision makers.” Chairman of the Chamber’s Leadership Westmoreland Committee and representative of Torchbearer Sponsor, Elliott Group, Mike Storms added, “Leadership is learned. Leadership Westmoreland is an example of how the Chamber and its sponsors are dedicated to helping the process. At the end it boils down to the effort put in by all involved; great job to this year's class, presenters, and sponsors.” Leadership Westmoreland participant Michel Keller, Westmoreland Casemanagement and Supports, added, “I felt it was a wonderful opportunity and an honor to work with the diverse group of 2016-2017. It was a huge eye opener to the different styles of leadership in one room!” Continued on page 4
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.
MAY MEMBER LUNCHEON Friday, May 12 • 11:30 AM Fort Ligonier Center for History Education $25 per member | $40 per future member
“18TH CENTURY INSPIRATIONS IN A 21ST CENTURY WORLD” Presented by Erica Nuckles, Director of History & Collections Take a journey back in time to explore the stories of Fort Ligonier and how they can inspire us today. Join historian and curator, Erica Nuckles, as she provides a special sneak preview of new exhibits set to open at Fort Ligonier later this year. All attendees receive FREE admission to the Fort following the event!
BREAKFASTS
LUNCHEON SPONSORS:
Wednesday, May 17 • 5:00-7:00 PM University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
BASH
(150 Finoli Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601)
BREAKFAST BASH Tuesday, May 16 • 7:45 - 9:00 AM UPMC Centers for Rehab Services Eastgate Shopping Center, Greensburg Free for Everyone
COFFEE & CONNECTIONS Tuesday, May 23 • 7:45 - 9:00 AM Hayden’s Pharmacy, Mt. Pleasant $10 For Members/ $20 For Future Members
Please join the Westmoreland County Chamber and University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg for an evening of networking on Wednesday, May 17 from 5-7 PM. Come out and enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, refreshments & a door prize drawing! NO COST TO MEMBERS THANKS TO A SPONSORSHIP BY DOLLAR BANK!
THINK OUTSIDE YOUR BOX 2017
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 • 7:30 to 11:30 AM WCCC Advanced Technology Center (1001 Technology Drive, Suite 1009, Mt. Pleasant, PA 15666)
TECH DEMONSTRATIONS
EXPERT PANEL Q&A
KNOWLEDGEABLE VENDORS
- SESSIONS -
ENGAGING SPEAKERS
8:20-9:00 AM
Sponsorship Opportunities
Paul Konieczny, Method Automation
Terabyte Sponsor: $1,000 (Limit 3, category exclusive)
Business Automation—Jeffrey Lyon, SabeSoft & Do more with less and save money! 9:00-9:30 AM
Digital Marketing—Jordan Atchison, 535media Leverage digital marketing to grow your business. 10:00-10:30 AM
Mobile Security—Leia Shilobod, InTech Solutions & David Ranf, DR Technology Solutions
Secure your data in motion and across all devices. 10:30-11:00 AM
Future Trends—Frank Sowa, The Xavier Group How will Artificial Intelligence and Robotics impact the job landscape of the future?
Megabyte Sponsor: $100 Member/$250 Non-Member (Limit 25) Sponsor receives vendor table, listing in the event program and 1 event ticket. Limited to business and professional services.
$10 Member/$50 Future Member Register online at
westmorelandchamber.com
11:00-11:30 AM
Ask the Experts—Panel Discussion / Q&A
Terabyte Sponsors:
Gigabyte Sponsor: $500 (Limit 5, category exclusive) Sponsor receives vendor table, logo placement on promotional flier, website and program, and 5 event tickets.
or call 724-834-2900
Gigabyte Sponsors:
CHAMBER CENTRAL Patrick Bochy, Westmoreland Museum of American Art Leadership Westmoreland is sponsored by Annette Boyer, Westmoreland College the Westmoreland County Chamber of Marlena Buterbaugh, Franklin Regional Commerce with promotional support from School District local chambers of commerce: Norwin, Great Nina D’Antonio, Westmoreland er Latrobe-Laurel Valley, Ligonier Valley, and Casemanagement and Supports Mountain Laurel. Scot Fodi, Penn Township For information about participating or Jarred Grabiak, Elliott Group becoming a Leadership Westmoreland Michelle Heller, Westmoreland County sponsor, contact Grace Markum, Facilitator Food Bank at leadership@westmorelandchamber.com Alicia Henry, Westmoreland County IDC or by calling 724-834-2900 ext. 205. Kevin Jansma, PNC Bank Jessica Kadie-Barclay, West Overton VilThe Leadership Westmoreland Class of lage & Museums 2017 includes: Continued from page 1
M
EMBER OVES ILESTONES
&
Each month we celebrate grand openings, ground breakings, anniversaries and other significant events involving our members through various ribbon cutting events and plaque presentations.
Each month we celebrate grand openings, ground breakings, anniversaries and other significant events involving our members through various ribbon cuttings and plaque presentations.
Lisa Krall, alongside staff and family, cut the ribbon at Park Avenue Wealth Management during a Grand Opening and Open House on March 28 in Greensburg.
Michel Keller, Westmoreland Casemanagement and Supports Tricia Keltz, UPMC East/UPMC Health Plan Jeffrey McDonald, First Energy/West Penn Power Mary Moximchalk, Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital Brian Root, University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg Rick Slebodnick, Safari Contract Cleaners Andrew Walz, Hempfield Township Christine Weller, Grane Hospice Care Brian Williams, Elliott Group Cara Zanella, Franklin Regional School District
Mary Catherine Motchar, President/Owner of Arbor Industrial Supplies Inc. was presented with the Family Spirit Award by Seco Tools, LLC during its Distributor Partner Recognition Program in Las Vegas. From working with Arbor Industrial Supplies on a regular basis, Seco personnel say they are an extension of the Seco Family. “They treat everyone as if we were part of their company. Regardless of the situation, they make everyone feel like we are truly part of a team together.”
Owner John Kramer, staff, friends and family cut the ribbon during a Grand Opening Celebration at the new Firehouse Subs on April 5 in Greensburg.
CHAMBER CENTRAL A Pennsylvania Certified Horticulturalist, Jay finds fulfillment in the great outdoors. “I have been creating landscapes and enhancing properties for over 15 years and what keeps me doing it is my love to be outdoors and my love to help others enjoy their outdoors,” he explains.
JAY BELL OF SILVIS GROUP Meet our Member Spotlight for May: Jay Bell, Business Development Manager for Silvis Group.
What does Jay enjoy most about his Chamber membership? “The Chamber is a great place to meet new people or catch up with friends. After all, people are what make our business work!” he says. Much of Jay’s free time is spent on a side business that he started with his wife last year, Bella Terra Vineyards in Hunker. He says, “It consumes most of our spare time, but we love to do all of it with our daughter Finley and amazing family.”
Located in Mount Pleasant, Silvis Group is a full service landscape company specializing in designing, building and maintaining outdoor spaces. As Silvis Group was the recipient of the Westmoreland Business Development Manager, Jay works with new clients to create custom landscapes or develop County Chamber’s Business of the Year award in 2013. Find out more at www.silvisgroup.com. maintenance plans for their property.
Reclaiming a Westmoreland County Legacy The year is 1964, the place, Pittsburgh, PA. And not unlike every other city or town across the country being influenced by the recent arrival of The Beatles and other prominent, self contained rock acts, wide eyed musicians throughout the area are birthing their version of the next Rock and Roll super group. Ron Rosman, who is attending St. Vincent College in Latrobe, is pulling together some fellow Music Major pals and forming “The Raconteurs”. Not far away in Greensburg, Mike Vale is recruiting a drummer and a couple of guitar players for his new band “The Sonics”. Almost within shouting distance in Connellsville, Ed Gray has just joined a five piece soul group by the name of “Monte and the Stingrays”. No one could have imagined at that point that within just a year or two, these three aspiring Rock Stars would join forces to become part of the same Classic Rock Ensemble and would go on to create music history writing, recording and performing songs that some forty years later still resonate with an entire generation and beyond!
with a U.S. Presidential candidate. In this case, Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey, who by the way, wrote the liner notes for their “Crimson and Clover” album. And through the years the group’s reputation has been further enhanced by having songs they have written and recorded covered by the likes of Billy Idol, Joan Jett, Prince, Tom Jones, Santana, Tiffany and hundreds more.
become “The Shondells”. He became so impressed with The Raconteurs that he asked them to join him and “Tommy James and the Shondells” was born. And the rest as they say, is history! Following Hanky Panky the group enlisted Eddie Gray and Peter Lucia to replace some departing members, and that iteration of “Tommy James and the Shondells” went on to record approximately 20 chart singles including such smash hits as “I Think We’re Alone Now”, “Mirage”, “Crimson and Clover”, “Mony Mony”, “Ball of Fire”, “Crystal Blue Persuasion”, “Sweet Cherry Wine” and many more.
In 1966, while performing at The Thunderbird Lounge in Greensburg, (as The Raconteurs), Rosman and Vale would meet a young man by the name of Tom Jackson from Michigan who was in Pittsburgh promoting his new release, (five years old actually but that’s another story) They hold the distinction of being the only “Hanky Panky”, and looking for a group to group in Rock history to campaign and tour
In 2016 Vale, Rosman and Gray decided it was time for them to reembrace their Rock history, and reunited, along with friend and drummer, Mike Wilps to form “The Crystal Blue Band”. A name chosen because Vale and Gray were cowriters along with James of their million seller, Crystal Blue Persuasion. “The Crystal Blue Band” is preparing to launch their new concert tour beginning appropriately enough where it all began so many years ago… in Greensburg! Their “Homecoming” performance is scheduled for The Palace Theatre on Saturday, May 27th. The concert will also feature Johnny Angel and The Halos as well as Terry Brock, former “Kansas” vocalist. Vale, Rosman and Gray, along with Peter Lucia and Tommy James have recently received “The 2017 Pittsburgh Rock and Roll Legends Award” presented yearly to artists and/or music professionals with Pittsburgh roots who have achieved the highest levels of success in the industry.
CHAMBER CENTRAL The Delicate Balance of Regulating the Tech Sector Thomas J. Donohue President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce New innovations and technologies are fertile ground for economic growth. They lead to startup companies, job creation, and a rush of capital and investment. But once a technology gets big, it’s never long before government regulators and aggressive trial lawyers swoop in to crash the party. Hasty regulations and expansive liability stunt the sector’s growth and slam the brakes on job creation.
MATTHEW HUFF, Southmoreland Student of the Month for January, was honored at a luncheon on March 2 at Leo’s Pub & Grille in Mount Pleasant. Pictured (from left) are Leyla PilonSinclair, Director of Membership Services for the Westmoreland County Chamber; Kimberly Kelley, Southmoreland Teacher; Matthew Huff, Student of the Month; and Lisa Hughes and Trisha Shea of Harmon House, Sponsor.
ALEXIS SALOPEK, Mount Pleasant Student of the Month for February, was honored at a luncheon on March 21 at Aumer’s in Mount Pleasant. Pictured (from left) are Leyla Pilon-Sinclair, Director of Membership Services for the Westmoreland County Chamber; Alexis Salopek, Student of the Month; Rosalyn Schmidt of C-K Composites, Sponsor; and Jodi Ovitsky, Mount Pleasant Teacher.
When startups and emerging industries are forced to wade through a thicket of new rules or defend against meritless litigation, guess what they can’t do? Innovate. And considering the pace of technological advancement today, standing still is the same as falling behind. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce established C_TEC, the Chamber Technology Engagement Center, to help tech companies navigate these thorny—and often undefined—policy, legal, and regulatory issues. One of the center’s main objectives is to serve as a convener, bringing together entrepreneurs and government leaders to shape the outcomes of technology policy debates. C_TEC and the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform recently hosted an event in Silicon Valley focusing on the liability ramifications of emerging technologies. Exciting growth occurs in the new and unregulated spaces of our economy, but we also know that the right legal and regulatory framework plays an important role in making new technologies safe and secure. To discover how to strike the right balance, the event featured three panels on growing sectors of the tech economy: drones, the Internet of Things, and autonomous vehicles. Each panel considered mounting liability issues and discussed how to fend off excessive litigation and rushed regulation. The panelists raised the question of who is responsible when a driverless car causes a wreck. Outsize liability in the autonomous vehicle space, particularly during development, could seriously undermine the growth of this technology. Numerous privacy issues related to the Internet of Things were also discussed. How much personal data is the wearable tech on your wrist or the smart security system in your home allowed to store or transmit? The safety issues involving drones, especially as related to the new regulatory framework, also provoked interesting conversation. These questions and countless others involving new technologies are more than just abstract legal debates; they affect the future of our economy and job creation. The Chamber doesn’t have all the answers, but we can help move the dialogue forward by convening leaders from industry, government, and law to examine the issues and explore solutions.
CHAMBER CENTRAL The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the following businesses as NEW MEMBERS of our organization: Apogee IT Services
Crush Athletics
Julia Helgert 109 Nicholson Road Sewickley, PA 15143 412-928-8670 www.apogeeitservices.com IT Consulting & Services
Mimmie Yost 5097 Old William Penn Highway Export, PA 15632 724-289-7969 www.crushathletics.net Fitness Centers, Fitness Equipment, Personal Training, Nutrition Counseling
Artisan Colour Spa-Salon
DiCerbo Properties Real Estate Investments/ Seminars, LLC
Tami Obremski 202 Blue Spruce Way Murrysville, PA 15668 724-733-3900 www.artisancolourspa.com Specialty Stores & Services
Bushy Run Battlefield Heritage Society Bonnie Ramus PO Box 468 Harrison City, PA 15636 724-527-5584 www.bushyrunbattlefield.com Not for Profit
Cleaveland/Price Inc.
Otis DiCerbo 442 Butterfield Drive North Huntingdon, PA 15642 724-961-5547 www.dpreis.com Professional Networking & Trade Associations
Hile Printing Steve Hile 11 Lakeridge Drive Greensburg, PA 15601 866-825-9550 www.hileprinting.com Printers & Business Forms
Seton Hill University Center for Orthodontics Kim Williams 2900 Seminary Drive, Building E Greensburg, PA 15601 724-552-2950 www.shusmiles.com Physicians, Surgeons, Dentists, Eye & Ear Care
Strive Greensburg Amy Rhoades 101 North Main Street, Suite 200 Greensburg, PA 15601 914-886-3656 Psychologists & Counseling Services
Superior Lighting Maintenance, LLC William Kubiak PO Box 462 New Alexandria, PA 15670 724-251-6080 www.superiorlightingmaintenance.com Lighting & Electrical
Tri County Health Concepts
Trish Conboy 14000 Rt. 993 Trafford, PA 15085 724-864-4177 www.cleavelandprice.com Machinery, Parts & Tooling
Huntington Bank David Perla 401 Clay Avenue Jeannette, PA 15644 724-523-3528 www.huntington.com Banks & Credit Unions
Jim Carson 119 Mason Drive Scottdale, PA 15683 800-819-3609 Agents & Offices (Finance & Insurance)
CME Integrations
Kona Ice of Westmoreland
Westmoreland Land Trust
Jane Noel 516 Lowry Avenue Jeannette, PA 15644 724-261-3738 www.cmeintegrations.com Software & Programming
Randy and Nancy Radziwon 805 Cleardale Drive Greensburg, PA 15601 724-953-9676 www.Kona-ice.com/find-a-Kona Specialty Foods, Bakeries & Beverages
Mary Tate 218 Donohoe Road Greensburg, PA 15601 412-613-9887 www.westmoreland-landtrust.org Not for Profit
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 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
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