Chamber Central Newsletter November 2017

NOVEMBER 2017

CHAMBER CENTRAL

A PUBLICATION OF THE WESTMORELAND COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

NOVEMBER EVENTS

1

5:45 pm - Candidates Forum, Seton Hill Performing Arts Center, Greensburg

2

7:45 am - MBPA Chapter Networking Breakfast, Dick’s Diner, Murrysville

Chamber Honors Leaders, Highlights Initiatives at Annual Business Meeting Reid Wolfe, Senior Vice President of ACHIEVA/The Arc of Westmoreland, accepts the Not-forProfit of the Year award presented by John Kline of S&T Bank.

Also pictured are Chad Amond, Chamber President (far left) and Jim Creenan, Chamber Board Chair (far right).

2:00 pm - Member Orientation

3

9:00 am - Small Business Roundtable, “Social Security is the Choice of a Lifetime” with Panichelle Financial Group

9

8:00 am - Marketing Committee Meeting 11:30 am - Member Luncheon, Greensburg Country Club, Jeannette

15

5:00 pm - BASH, Westmoreland County Community College, Youngwood

17

8:30 am - Symposium, Emergency Responders Workshop and Tactical Walkthrough of an Active Killer Scenario with Westmoreland County Dept. of Public Safety

21

7:45 am - Breakfast BASH, Sendell Motors, Greensburg

Register at www.westmorelandchamber.com

T

he Chamber was pleased to recognize leadership, excellent business practices, and service to our community as part of the Chamber’s Awards Luncheon & Annual Business Meeting on Thursday, October 12, at the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center in Greensburg. In addition to the awards, the Chamber held a brief business meeting for roughly 400 members in attendance, which included the announcement of additions to the Board of Directors for 2018, highlighting of the past year’s accomplishments and review of goals for the year ahead.

“This is our ninth year the awards presentation was held in conjunction with the Annual Business Meeting and every year it becomes

more and more successful,” commented Chad Amond, President of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber seeks to honor excellence in Westmoreland County - a significant reason why our region is a great place to live and do business. Each year our award recipients exemplify that concept.”

Award Recipients In the Business of the Year category, the award recipient was The Markosky Engineering Group, Inc.; Chamber Member of the Year, Dr. Gennaro Piraino, Jr., Superintendent of Franklin Regional School District; Not-forProfit of the Year, ACHIEVA/The Arc of See Awards • 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

NOVEMBER MEMBER LUNCHEON Thursday, November 9, 2017 • 11:30 AM-1:15 PM Greensburg Country Club (309 Pleasant Valley Road, Jeannette, PA 15644)

FEATURING MICHAEL HILLEBRAND PRINCIPAL & EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT HUNTLEY AND HUNTLEY ENERGY EXPLORATION

Cost is $25 for members/ $40 for future members.

Few realize that the most upstream benefactor of Marcellus Shale development is the owner of the oil and gas themselves, our local citizens. As lease bonuses to property owners turns to monthly cash flows from property involvement in horizontal drilling, the citizens of our communities receive life changing economic benefits. Citizen economic benefit leads to local community stimulus and health. Mr. Hillebrand will discuss these benefits and the threats to losing them.

Mike has thirty-one years of combined experience in both vertical and horizontal well drilling, completions and operations as well as all operating and financial aspects of oil and natural gas business development, acquisition and marketing.

BREAKFASTS

LUNCHEON SPONSORS:

Wednesday, Nov. 15 • 5:00-7:00 PM Westmoreland County Community College

BASH

(145 Pavilion Lane, Youngwood, PA 15697)

MURRYSVILLE BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION CHAPTER BREAKFAST Thursday, Nov. 2 • 7:45 - 9:00 AM Dick’s Diner, Murrysville $10 for non-MBPA members $20 for non-Chamber/non-MBPA members

BREAKFAST BASH Tuesday, Nov. 21 • 7:45 - 9:00 AM Sendell Motors 5079 State Route 30, Greensburg Free for Everyone

Please join the Westmoreland County Chamber and Westmoreland County Community College for an evening of networking on Wed., November 15 from 5-7 PM. Come out and enjoy refreshments, hors d’oeuvres prepared by Culinary Arts students, and register to win door prizes.

NO COST TO MEMBERS THANKS TO A SPONSORSHIP

BY DOLLAR BANK!

Awards • From Page 1

Westmoreland; and ATHENA® Award, Kim Kramer, President and Founder of Legacy Wealth Solutions.

Award recipients were honored by the Chamber with a video presentation produced by Skene 19 Films, as well as a handsome engraved plaque of Westmoreland County. Award sponsors included First Commonwealth Bank, Graham Insurance Group, and S&T Bank. Corporate sponsors also contributing to the event included Classic Hits 107.1 WHJB, Skene 19 Films, Smail Auto Group, Trib Total Media, Carlow University, Comcast Business Class, Fotorecord Print Center, Laura Edgerly Designs, PNC Bank, First National Bank, and West Penn Power/First Energy.

In addition to the awards presentation, the Chamber announced the addition of three new members and three returning members to the 2018 Board of Directors after a membership-wide vote.

New board members include Sherry Magretti-Hamilton, Register of Wills, Westmoreland County; Jeffrey McDonald, Manager, Engineered Services, First Energy/West Penn Power; and Dennis O’Hara, Senior VP of Construction, Guardian Construction Management.

Joyce Markosky, President of The Markosky Engineering Group and Mark Markosky, Vice President, accept the Business of the Year award presented by Dan Wagner of First Commonwealth Bank.

“Sherry, Dennis and Jeff will make excellent additions to our Board of Directors. Their combined experience and insight will make them great assets to the Chamber. I look forward to working closely with them in the coming years,” said Jim Creenan, Chamber Board Chair.

In addition, members re-elected Janet Corrinne-Harvey, Director of Agency Operations, 535Media; Michelle Ivill, Vice President, Vale Vista Associates; and Michael Storms, Director of Operations, Elliott Group.

Dr. Gennaro Piraino, Jr., Superintendent of Franklin Regional School District, accepts the Chamber Member of the Year award presented by Chad Amond, Chamber President, Jim Creenan, Chamber Board Chair, and Mike Storms, Chamber Board Vice Chair.

Leaving the board at the end of this year will be Terri Knupp, First Energy/West Penn Power; and Steve Rennekamp, Energy Swing Windows.

5 Years of ATHENA® — Celebrating the internationally acclaimed ATHENA® Award alongside Kim Kramer are prior recipients Faye Rosatti, Nancy Kukovich, Barbara VanKirk and Angela RoseO’Brien.

Kim Kramer, Owner/Founder of Legacy Wealth Solutions, accepts the ATHENA® Award presented

by Jim Graham of Graham Insurance Group—Nationwide.

In his remarks, Amond explained that the theme of the day was putting together the pieces of the puzzle. “Without a doubt, the people who came before those of us sitting in this room have built the foundation of the puzzle we continue to build,” he said. “Legacy matters. From 1938 when Philip McKenna started a shop with 12 employees and had gross sales of $30,000 in its first year…Kennametal is now a driving force in our Economy. Or Arnold Palmer—and I’m not talking about what he did on the golf course—I’m talking about his massive impact on our local business community. The list of names goes on and on.”

Amond concluded his comments with a short teaser, “Over the coming months we will launch the Westmoreland County Business Person Hall of Fame—in an effort to recognize our rich business heritage and to make sure we never forget those who helped build the foundation of this County.”

Member

Moves & Milestones Continued dedication to innovative, high-impact educational practices at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg has earned the school recognition among the nation’s Colleges of Distinction for the second consecutive year.

This year, in addition to receiving accolades as a 2017-2018 College of Distinction, Public College of Distinction, and Pennsylvania College of Distinction, Pitt-Greensburg also received recognition for its Education program.

To earn this recognition, colleges & universities must demonstrate results across the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community and Successful Outcomes. High school counselors and educators make nominations, and each school is evaluated on key indicators including student engagement, student empowerment, and curricular innovation. Colleges that have distinguished themselves in each of the Four Distinctions and have demonstrated dedication to enriching student outcomes through innovative learning opportunities are then invited to join Colleges of Distinction.

The annual process to select the nation’s Colleges of Distinction also includes a review of each institution’s freshman experience, as well as its general education program, strategic plan, and alumni success and satisfaction measures.

Jerry Bertig, Director of the Bishop Connare Center in Greensburg, cut the ceremonial ribbon to commemorate the addition of their St. Joseph Chapel Plaza on Sept. 27.

Brad Geyer, Kat Post, staff and friends participated in a Ribbon Cutting to celebrate the opening of the Geyer Education Center in Scottdale on October 2.

Patrick Mercier and staff celebrated the Grand Opening of Tucker Auto-Mation’s newest location with an Open House and Ribbon Cutting on October 12 in Irwin.

On October 12, Lisa Hegedus & staff at Caffe Barista in Downtown Greensburg celebrated the addition of a wine bar through a new partnership with Edgewood Winery.

CHAMBER CENTRAL

From the Chairman Jennifer Miller of the Westmoreland County Food Bank Meet our Member Spotlight for November: Jennifer Miller, Director of Development for the Westmoreland County Food Bank.

For the past 35 years, the Westmoreland County Food Bank has been the first line of defense in the fight against hunger in Westmoreland County. Established in 1982, the Food Bank distributed 2,000 pounds of food in its first year of operation. Today, the organization supplies over 7,000,000 pounds of food annually to food insecure households via a network of partner agencies. Located in Delmont, WCFB has a staff of 22 individuals and relies heavily on the nearly 7,000 volunteers that contribute roughly 100,000 total hours of service each year. As the Director of Development, Jennifer’s job duties include grant procurement, donor relations and development, planned giving, public relations, and legislative advocacy.

Jennifer finds it truly rewarding to have a hand in making lives better for thousands of food insecure households throughout Westmoreland County. She says, “Knowing that, because of something that we did here, a child does not have to know the anguish of hunger makes all the difference in the world. We are very blessed with a generous community that helps to make that happen and I could not be prouder to be a part of an organization that has stood the test of time of feeding people and providing hope.”

What does Jennifer enjoy most about her Chamber membership?

She explains, “I was lucky enough to be a part of the Leadership Westmoreland cohort, Class of 2015-2016. Through this opportunity, I was able to connect and establish relationships with many other future leaders of the county and learn so much more about the Chamber, businesses, and opportunities here.” “The members that I have gotten to know and the staff at the Chamber have made my experience priceless,” she adds.

Jennifer lives in Connellsville with her husband and mother. She enjoys spending time with her family, being involved with her church as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and Festival Committee member, and sitting on the Board of Directors at the Wesley Health Center in Connellsville.

As we hear more about Small Business days and “shop local” days in the months ahead, I ask that we help each other support small businesses.

Our communities need the many small businesses that provide the goods and services that make Westmoreland County so great. As times change and many are lured to Jim Creenan (center) was presented make internet purchases with an engraved plaque as a thank you of all things (even Wills for his time and service as Chairman of and Contracts?), I ask our the Board. Jim is shown with Mike Storms membership to reflect (left), incoming Board Chair, and Chad carefully on whether you Amond (right), Chamber President & CEO. and your company direct your purchasing power. The Chamber’s Business Directory lists hundreds of local purchasing options in dozens of categories. We all must do our part to support our fellow members. We need to be especially mindful of new businesses, which make up nearly 10 percent of employers.

The face of retail services has changed many times over the years. In the 1960s, the advent of “interior malls” permitted “year-round shopping in controlled temperatures” and caused many retailers to vacate the storefronts of our business centers. (“Horne Plans Greengate Mall Store”, The Pittsburgh Press, November 10, 1963. ) During its 30 year run, the Greengate Mall lured shoppers away from our “Main Streets” in Greensburg, Latrobe, Jeannette, and Irwin. It later fell behind the offerings of larger malls and competing plazas and ultimately gave way to the Walmart Supercenter in 2013. Now, our members’ most dominant competition comes from E-commerce giants Amazon, Walmart, Apple, and Staples. While these businesses offer wonderful products and sometimes unbelievable prices, we need to consider the true cost of directing that buying power away from Main Street. Many of our business district have rebounded but we need to always support our local storefronts. Our members need the support of our communities even more than ever. We all must do our part.

Did you know our member directory lists: Jewelry stores, Furniture stores, Lighting stores, Appliance stores, A men’s store with a 100 year history, and many, many more.

The directory has many other business providers that need your support – insurance services, marketing, and yes, even lawyers.

I ask you to think of a member before you make that next purchase and before you run to the internet.

James W. Creenan Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Attorney, Creenan & Baczkowski, PC

CHAMBER CENTRAL

HOLIDAY BASH Join us for the Holiday BASH & Business Expo on Wed., Dec. 6 from 5 to 8 PM at the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center in Greensburg. There will be tons of networking, door prize giveaways provided by exhibitors, 50/50 raffle, 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.

Celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 25 When our small businesses do well, our communities do too. Therefore, as part of the annual tradition, you are encouraged to join millions of Americans and “shop small” on Small Business Saturday®, Nov. 25, to complete your holiday shopping (or to start your holiday shopping, as the case may be…)

YOUR LISTING! The Chamber will soon be publishing the 2018 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.

Symposium:

Emergency Responders Workshop &Tactical Walkthrough of an Active Killer Scenario Presented by the Westmoreland County Dept. of Public Safety

Shopping small is a concrete way to support small businesses – the same businesses that generate two of every three net new jobs, and deliver essential goods and services to America’s communities 365 days a year.

•••••

Friday, November 17 8:30—11:30 AM

You can do your part with these simple steps:



 



Commit to making at least one purchase from a locally-owned small business retailer. Get to know the owner, and make your gift more meaningful by sharing their story as part of what you give your loved ones.

Enjoy the experience. Travel outside your comfort zone -- and away from your computer screen -- to discover an out-of-the ordinary shopping district with some trendy local stores.

Take part in Small Business Saturday® on social media, using the hashtag #SmallBizSat to amplify your support. If you find a great small business retailer with unique products, Tweet or Facebook your find so others can enjoy it too.

When you open your gifts, start a conversation about which ones came from the most distinctive and creative sellers. Share your shopping secrets.

We’ll be shopping small with our friends and family on Saturday, Nov. 25. We encourage you to do the same – and remember whether you “shop small” or “dine small,” you are still doing your part to contribute to our robust economy.

•••••

Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce Office Pre-Event Factors  Phase 1—The Shooting  Phase 2—Establish ICS & OPS Factors & Options  Medical Skills and Special Equipment—Lecture & Exercise 

Seating is limited! Register at

www.westmorelandchamber.com

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome!

21st Century Cyber Charter School

F. Tinker & Sons Company

Westinghouse Plasma Corporation

Benjamin Ozgur 221 Blue Spruce Way Murrysville, PA 15668 484-875-5400 www.21cccs.org Parochial, Private & Public Schools, Private Tutors

Regis Synan 5665 Butler Street Pittsburgh, PA 15201 412-781-3553 Various Industries (Industrial & Manufacturing)

Mandy Zoglmann 221 Westec Drive Mount Pleasant, PA 15666 724-871-3652 Various Industries (Industrial & Manufacturing)

Bardine’s Country Smokehouse Inc. Gary DiBerardine 224 Bardine Road Crabtree, PA 15624 724-837-7089 www.bardinemeats.com Grocery, Convenience & Department Stores

Business Solutions Today, Inc. Carl Jones 329 Fisher Lane Ligonier, PA 15658 800-563-4139 www.BusinessSolutionsTodayInc.com Advertising, Marketing, PR & Design

Caffe Barista Inc.

Keystone Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Dr. Jeffrey Garcia 560 Rugh Street, Suite 100 Greensburg, PA 15601 878-295-8322 www.keystoneoralsurgery.com Physicians, Surgeons, Dentists, Eye & Ear Care Professionals

Mike Camlin Hyundai of Greensburg Mike Camlin 5162 Route 30 Greensburg, PA 15601 724-834-7028 www.hyundaiofgreensburg.com New & Used Dealerships

R.E. Uptegraff Manufacturing Co. LLC

Lisa Hegedus 7 West Otterman Street Greensburg, PA 15601 724-837-8873 www.cbcloud9.com Specialty Foods, Bakeries & Beverages

Samantha Moon 120 Uptegraff Drive Scottdale, PA 15683 724-887-7700 www.uptegraff.com Various Industries (Industrial & Manufacturing)

DK Sweets Inc. DBA The Dapper Doughnut

W.N. Tuscano Agency

Kristen Hull 174 Seanor Church Road Ruffsdale, PA 15679 724-689-2966 www.thedapperdoughnut.com Specialty Foods, Bakeries & Beverages

Don’s Appliances Matt Rendulich 8871 US Route 30 North Huntingdon, PA 15642 724-787-9677 www.donsappliances.com Electronics & Appliances

Robin Tuscano 950 Highland Avenue Greensburg, PA 15601 724-836-1510 www.tuscano.com Agents & Offices (Finance & Insurance)

Waste Strategies, LLC David McLaughlin 2626 Friar Tuck Drive North Huntingdon, PA 15642 412-713-0596 www.wastestrategies.com Various Industries (Industrial & Manufacturing)

facebook.com/ westmorelandchamber

twitter.com/ westmocochamber

WestmorelandChamber1

linkedin.com/company/ 25039243 westmorelandchamber.com

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 & CEO 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.

HOLIDAY BASH 2017 Wednesday, December 6 • 5-8 PM • Ramada Greensburg

IT’S A HOLIDAY TRADITION! Come network with Chamber members, enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres and a holiday cocktail at the cash bar, and perhaps win a door prize from one of our exhibitors.

Listen to festive holiday music while you stroll from booth to booth and maybe even do a little holiday shopping. Celebrate the season Chamber-style at the Holiday BASH & Business Expo.

NEW!

Admission Options

BLIZZARD ADMISSION (All-Inclusive)

$25

Includes hors d’oeuvres, shopping with exhibitors, prizes and networking.

FLURRY ADMISSION (Basic)

$10

Includes shopping with exhibitors, prizes, and networking. Public welcome!

Holiday BASH — Registration Cost: RSVP:

 $25 Blizzard Admission  $10 Flurry Admission PH: 724-834-2900 | WEB: www.westmorelandchamber.com Mail: Westmoreland County Chamber—241 Tollgate Hill Rd., Greensburg, PA 15601

Company Name: _____________________________ Contact Person:______________________________ Name(s) of Attendee(s):_______________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ Total Amount Due: $________

Payment:

Phone: E-mail:

Check  Mastercard  Visa Discover American Express

Name on Card ______________________________________________ Card Number_______________________________________________ Expiration Date__________ CVV Code: _____ Cardholder Address__________________________________________ City_________________State_____Zip Code_______ Checks Payable to: Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce

2018

Footprints WESTMORELAND COUNTY PRAYER BREAKFAST

26

Friday, January 26 7:00 - 9:00 AM Ramada Hotel & Conference Center

“I am with you and will keep you wherever you go.”

100 Ramada Inn Drive Greensburg, PA 15601

–Genesis 28:15

$20.00 per person

$15 for Student Sponsorship Advance Registration required

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Jim Bendel Director of Planned Giving, Saint Vincent College For over 40 years, this breakfast has offered a unique opportunity for local leaders to gather in a forum that builds upon the strengths that unite us as residents, elected officials, employers, educators, and workers. Additionally, students from every school district in Westmoreland County are invited to attend as a way to highlight the importance of unity to tomorrow’s leaders.

This year’s event will focus on not-for-profit organizations and the footprints they make across our region.

A leader who has created big shoes to fill in the not-for-profit community, Jim Bendel, will deliver the keynote address as he steps away from the podium where he has acted as emcee for well over a decade, to pass the torch to the next generation.

Sponsor a Student: A $15 sponsorship allows a local high school student to attend at no cost to him/her.

Advanced Registration Required:

Presented by:

Cost: $20/per person RSVP: PH: 724-834-2900 | FX: 724-837-7635 WEB: www.westmorelandchamber.com | Mail: Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce, 241 Tollgate Hill Rd. - Greensburg, PA 15601  Adult Tickets: _____ x $20 = $________  Student Sponsorship _____ x $15 = $________ TOTAL DUE: $__________ Name: ____________________________________________ Company: _________________________________________ Phone: ______________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________ Attendees: ___________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ ____________________________ Payment Method: ___ VISA ___ M/C ___ Discover ___ AMEX ___ Check made payable to Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce Credit Card No: _______________________________________ Exp Date: ________________ CVV Code:__________ Name on Card: ___________________________________________________________ Card Billing Address: ______________________________________________________________________________

No refunds or cancellations after January 19, 2018 • For more information, visit westmorelandchamber.com