NOVEMBER 2016
CHAMBER CENTRAL
A PUBLICATION OF THE WESTMORELAND COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS NOVEMBER 3 7:45 am - MBPA Chapter Networking Breakfast, Dick’s Diner, Murrysville
NOVEMBER 4 8:00 am - Small Business Roundtable: Tax Season Tips & Strategies
NOVEMBER 5 11:00 am - Ribbon Cutting, Ruggiero Kitchen, Bath & Flooring Design Studio, Greensburg
NOVEMBER 10
The Comprehensive Plan Explained
5:00 pm - Ribbon Cutting, Fazio’s Hair Designs | A Day Spa, Mt. Pleasant
Reimagining Our Westmoreland will create a blueprint for our future – a new comprehensive plan that will help the County become more livable and prosperous. The Westmoreland County Chamber has joined the County and the Economic Growth Connection in funding this important initiative.
NOVEMBER 15
What is a Comprehensive Plan?
8:00 am - Marketing Committee Meeting 11:30 am - Member Luncheon, Stratigos Banquet Centre, North Huntingdon
7:45 am - Networking Breakfast, Courtyard by Marriott, Greensburg 3:00 pm - Member Orientation
NOVEMBER 16 5:00 pm - Chamber BASH, Ramada Ligonier
NOVEMBER 18
8:00 am - Ambassador Committee Meeting 5:00 pm - Ribbon Cutting, Integrity Retirement & Estate Advisors, Greensburg
NOVEMBER 22
7:45 am - Coffee & Connections, Harmon House Care Center, Mount Pleasant *Events held in Chamber office unless otherwise noted.
Reimagining Our Westmoreland will serve as the County’s official guide for land use and development over the next 10-20 years. It will be Westmoreland’s “road map,” detailing a long-term vision and policy agenda for important quality of life issues like land use, housing, parks, infrastructure, transportation, and more. Ultimately, the Plan will answer: “what should Westmoreland County look like in 10-20 years and how do we get there?”
Why are we updating the Comprehensive Plan? The County has been experiencing a declining population, rapidly increasing median age, and relative lack of diversity. Reimagining Our Westmoreland will establish priorities, projects, in-
vestments, and recommendations that can reverse these trends and make it a more competitive place to live, work, invest, and visit.
For more information, be sure to attend the Chamber’s Member Luncheon on November 10 at Stratigos in North Huntingdon where Houseal Lavigne Associates will discuss the Comprehensive Plan in greater detail. Houseal Lavigne is a nationally recognized consulting firm that will lead and facilitate the comprehensive planning process. What are the contents of a Comprehensive Plan? A Comprehensive Plan describes future goals and objectives for development, as well as an action plan to achieve those goals. Topics that the Reimagining Our Westmoreland may address include: land use and development; neighborhoods; employment; transportation and mobility; parks and green spaces; public facilities and infrastructure; sustainability; tourism; arts and culture; and more. Continued on page 3
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
CHAMBER CENTRAL Upcoming
NOVEMBER MEMBER LUNCHEON REIMAGINING OUR WESTMORELAND: AN OVERVIEW OF THE COUNTY’S NEW COMPREHENSIVE PLAN INITIATIVE
Cost is $25 for members/ $40 for future members.
Presented by Dan Gardner, Principal, Houseal Lavigne Associates Thursday, November 10, 2016 • 11:30 AM-1:15 PM Stratigos Banquet Centre (131 Colonial Manor Road, North Huntingdon, PA 15642)
Dan Gardner is a Principal at Houseal Lavigne Associates, facilitating firm for the comprehensive plan. He manages all market, economic and fiscal analysis for the firm. Dan has overseen successful development projects throughout the country and internationally. He brings over 20 years of public and private sector experience, as well as serving as an elected and appointed official in the Chicago region. His ability to strategically align public and private sector visions with market and development opportunities has led him to be recognized as a leading influencer in the field. Prior to joining Houseal Lavigne Associates in 2007, Dan held director and senior management positions with major Chicago and international development advisory firms. Dan will discuss the integral role that the business community has in influencing the future of the County and why economic development is a major focus of the plan.
BREAKFASTS
Houseal Lavigne Associates is an award winning consulting firm specializing in all areas of community planning, economic development and urban design, with expertise in downtown planning, comprehensive planning, corridor planning, neighborhood planning, zoning, market analysis, project implementation and financing, and citizen engagement. Luncheon Sponsors:
MURRYSVILLE BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION CHAPTER BREAKFAST Thursday, November 3 • 7:45 - 9:00 AM Dick’s Diner, Murrysville $10 for non-MBPA members $20 for non-Chamber/non-MBPA members
NETWORKING BREAKFAST Tuesday, November 15 • 7:45 - 9:00 AM Courtyard by Marriott, Greensburg $10 for Members/$20 for Future Members
COFFEE & CONNECTIONS Tuesday, November 22 • 7:45 - 9:00 AM Harmon House Care Center, Mt. Pleasant Free for Members/$10 for Future Members
Wednesday, Nov. 16 • 5:00-7:00 PM Ramada Ligonier
BASH
216 West Loyalhanna St., Ligonier, PA 15658
Please join the Westmoreland County Chamber, the Ligonier Valley Chamber and the Ramada Ligonier for an evening of networking on Wednesday, November 16 from 5-7 PM. Come out and enjoy an appetizer buffet, cash bar, and a prize drawing! No cost to members thanks to a Sponsorship by Dollar Bank!
CHAMBER CENTRAL Continued from page 1
Who is involved in creating the Comprehensive Plan? The new Comprehensive Plan will be community-driven, and its vision and policy recommendations will be grounded in extensive community outreach. Over the course of the next year, residents and stakeholders will have numerous opportunities to participate both inperson and online. Ultimately, the Comprehensive Plan will be approved by the County’s Board of Commissioners.
We already have other plans. What will happen to those?
WESTMORELAND COUNTY IS LOOKING FOR COMMUNITY INPUT CONCERNING THE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!
Existing plans are an important part of the Comprehensive Plan process. These plans will inform the Comprehensive Plan, and in some cases, will be incorporated into the plan if the goals and vision are still consistent with the community’s aspirations.
When will the Reimagining Our Westmoreland planning process begin and when will it be completed? The initial planning phases began in Sum-
mer 2016, with anticipated project completion in Early 2018.
How can I get involved in the process? Reimagining Our Westmoreland provides a great opportunity for residents and businesses to communicate their vision for the County and identify what issues are most important to address in the near term and in the future. The planning process is designed to promote community involvement and encourage citizen participation. The success of this planning effort will depend on engaging the community, so community outreach is included throughout the process. Please visit www.hlplanning.com/portals/ westmoreland/ and provide input into the Comprehensive Plan by taking a brief online survey. County residents and business owners are invited to participate. The website also outlines additional opportunities available to give your input, including public meetings, online surveys and questionnaires, and an interactive mapping tool. Meeting dates and times will be listed throughout the process as they are scheduled.
PA Secretary of Education Speaks at Workforce Forum Dinner The second annual Westmoreland County Forum for Workforce Development dinner was held at the Greensburg Country Club on September 14. The Forum welcomed PA Department of Education Secretary, Pedro Rivera, as the keynote speaker. "There is no one-size-fits-all approach to education," Rivera said. "Ensuring that every student has access to the tools they need to learn as well as opportunities to grow is a mainstay of the Wolf Administration's ‘Schools That Teach’ initiative." The Forum for Workforce Development was launched in an effort to position students for college and career paths by building public-private partnerships to address what business and educators have called the “skills gap.” The organization consists of 41 members, including business leaders, all 17 of the county's public school superintendents, and administrators from the three career and technology centers.
Back Row, L to R: Bill Flanagan, Chief Corporate Relations Officer at Allegheny Conference on Community Development; Dr. Gennaro Piraino, Jr., Franklin Regional School District Superintendent; and James Smith, President & CEO of Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland Front Row, L to R: Jason Rigone, Executive Director of Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation; Dr. William Kerr, Norwin School District Superintendent; Pedro Rivera, PA Secretary of Education; Chad Amond, President of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce; and Dr. Christine Oldham, Ligonier Valley School District Superintendent
CHAMBER CENTRAL
HOLIDAY BASH Don’t miss the biggest and best BASH of the year! Join us for the Holiday BASH & Business Expo on Wed., Dec. 7 from 5 to 8 PM at the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center in Greensburg. There will be tons of networking, tabletop displays, door prize giveaways provided by exhibitors, 50/50 raffle, live holiday entertainment, delicious hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and tons of holiday cheer. Complete the registration form included in this newsletter or register online at www.westmorelandchamber.com.
YOUR LISTING! The Chamber will soon be publishing the 2017 Membership Directory! This directory is printed once a year, so please be sure your information is correct and up-to-date. Please log on to our website (westmorelandchamber.com) with your username and password and make any necessary corrections by November 15. Questions? Call us at 724-834-2900.
Member Moves & Milestones Each month we celebrate grand openings, ground breakings, anniversaries and other significant events involving our members through various ribbon cutting events and plaque presentations.
Jouli Sallit and the staff at Bean & Baguette celebrated their Grand Opening in Greensburg on September 10.
Valley Pool and Spa received "The Pittsburgh 100" award for the top 100 fastest growing companies in Pittsburgh, presented by the Pittsburgh Business Times. They were rated #2 in the Retail category and #36 overall.
On September 23, Ben & Elsie Huber and the staff at Petagogy cut the ceremonial ribbon and celebrated their Grand Opening in Greensburg.
Contact Leyla Pilon-Sinclair, Director of Membership Services, at 724-834-2900 or leyla@westmorelandchamber.com to inquire about planning a ribbon cutting at your new or expanded location.
CHAMBER CENTRAL
A crowd of nearly 400 gathered at the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center on October 13 to recognize the Chamber’s leadership, highlight past year achievements, review goals for the upcoming year and honor the 2016 leadership award recipients.
2016 Not-for-Profit of the Year: CASA of Westmoreland Presented by S&T Bank
2016 ATHENA® Award: Angela Rose-O’Brien Presented by First Commonwealth Bank
2016 Business of the Year: Charley Family SHOP ‘n SAVE Presented by Graham Insurance Group
2016 Chamber Member of the Year: Jim Graham Presented by the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce
CHAMBER CENTRAL
MEMBER
SPOTLIGHT: ALYSSA KUNSELMAN,
Mascaro Construction Company
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN Dear Fellow Chamber Members,
Meet our Member Spotlight for November: Alyssa Kunselman, Director of Business Development for Mascaro Construction Company. As a general contractor, construction manager, and design builder, Mascaro performs construction in four major market sectors: buildings, power and industrial, oil and gas, and heavy-highway. Alyssa joined Mascaro in February 2016, charged with developing and maintaining long-term customer relationships and communicating the Mascaro brand to the marketplace. Alyssa loves interacting with all of the people she has met throughout her career. “It is in my DNA to build relationships,” she explains. “I am very proud to be a part of the team at Mascaro, a company that has been built on what we call the ‘Mascaro Advantage,’ which emphasizes hard work, superior planning, and delivering a great experience on each of our projects. Additionally, Mascaro recognizes the importance of giving back to the community, which is very important to me.” When asked what she likes the most about being involved with the Chamber, Alyssa answered, “I originally joined the Chamber in 2000, and am excited to be a member again and serving on a committee. Since Westmoreland County has been my home all of my life, it’s nice to know many Chamber members personally and professionally, and always look forward to making new connections at Chamber events.”
Since our last newsletter, our community lost iconic community leader, businessman and champion Arnold Palmer. His substantial golf achievements paled only to the trailblazing business accomplishments in Westmoreland County and beyond. Mr. Palmer invented the category of sports marketing, lent his name to top notch luxury brands, developed first rate businesses, and performed more philanthropy than any of us will ever know. His impact transcends regions, industries, and generations. All of us in Westmoreland County trusted his word, loved him, and will be forever grateful to Arnold Palmer for his legacies in all that he touched – community, sports, and business. Let us all heed Mr. Palmer’s lasting words – “I've always made a total effort, even when the odds seemed entirely against me. I never quit trying; I never felt that I didn't have a chance to win.”
James W. Creenan Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Attorney, Creenan & Baczkowski, PC
Outside of work, Alyssa enjoys spending time with her husband Clay and two children, Grayson (4) and Camilla (2). She can also be found participating in community activities, attending sporting events, traveling, shopping, and eating out/enjoying wine at great “foodie” places since she doesn’t cook. Alyssa is very committed to being involved with community organizations, serving as Board Member of the Greensburg Community Development Corporation and Secretary of the Greensburg YMCA. She is very involved with the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, where she serves as a member of The Committee for The Westmoreland and volunteers for various events. She also serves as the Westmoreland County Ambassador for the Satchels of Caring Foundation, and is committed to raising funds for cancer.
1929-2016
CHAMBER CENTRAL Ruggiero Kitchen, Bath & Flooring Design Studio Diane Ruggiero 602 South Urania Avenue Greensburg, PA 15601 724-838-8453 Carpet, Floor, Window Coverings
Terry’s Auto Glass
The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the following businesses as NEW MEMBERS of our organization: Dick’s Diner Corporation
Leonida Family Practice
Michael Strickland 4200 William Penn Highway PO Box 45 Murrysville, PA 15668 724-327-4566 Casual Dining
Jennifer Leonida 1 Braddock Road Avenue, Suite A Mount Pleasant, PA 15666 724-547-4565 Medical Services
Get Through Communications Martin Hoffman 1572 Woodward Drive Ext. Greensburg, PA 15601 724-221-9955 www.gtcvoip.com Communications Systems & Design
Hayden’s Pharmacy Edward Christofano 535 West Main Street Mount Pleasant, PA 15666 724-547-3400 www.haydenspharmacy.com Pharmacies
Judge Christopher Feliciani Westmoreland County Courthouse 2 North Main Street Greensburg, PA 15601 724-830-3803 Elected Officials
Leonida Family Practice Jennifer Leonida 137 Mathews Street, Suite 2000 Greensburg, PA 15601 724-237-5600 Medical Services
Murrysville Sportzone Christy Manzewitsch 4491 School Road South Murrysville, PA 15632 724-325-2244 www.murrysvillesportzone.com Amusement, Recreation
Pittsburgh Ice Arena Christy Manzewitsch 700 Craigdell Road New Kensington, PA 15068 724-334-4423 www.pittsburghicearena.com Amusement, Recreation
Pleasure Acres Farm Equine & Feline Rescue Center George Martin 107 Hornock Drive New Alexandria, PA 15670 724-668-2029 Not for Profit
Daniel Scalzitti 6314 State Route 30 Greensburg, PA 15601 724-832-2200 www.terrysautoglass.com Parts, Maintenance, Repair & Towing (Automotive, Aviation & Marine)
The HomeCare Company of America Sean Cavanagh 15071 Lincoln Highway, Route 30 Unit A North Huntingdon, PA 15642 724-322-2396 www.homecarecompanyofamerica.com Home Health Care & Hospice Care
Vitti & Vitti & Associates, P.C. Amanda Allis 215 Fourth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-281-1725 www.vittilaw.com Law Firms & Legal Services
Wisneski’s Westmoreland Services LLC Marcus Wisneski 106 Nicki Lane Latrobe, PA15650 724-424-3031 www.wisneskis.com Trash Removal & Disposal
Let’s Connect!
Red Prism Media Group Candice Nolan 222 Westland Drive Greensburg, PA 15601 724-853-2343 www.redprismmedia.com Advertising, Marketing, PR & Design
facebook.com/westmorelandchamber
CHAMBER CENTRAL 2016 Board of Directors
Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce
James Creenan - Creenan & Baczkowski, PC (Chairman) Michael Storms - Elliott Group (Vice Chair) Michelle Ivill - General Industries (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 S.D. Steve Rennekamp - Energy Swing Windows Rich Rosky - First National Bank James Smith - Economic Growth Connection Dr. Tuesday Stanley - Westmoreland County Community College Clair Ward - Valley School of Ligonier *Ann Nemanic - Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau *Jason Rigone - Westmoreland County Industrial Development Company *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. Empowering People. Connecting Communities.