Chamber Central October 2022

CHAMBER CENTRAL

By Noele Creamer, Contributing Writer

This time of year, many families are very familiar with the (ahem) joys of fantasy football leagues. Late each summer, grown adults devote full days to drafting pretend teams and then spend the entire season tending to them. A whole cottage industry exists to support drafting teams and the supporting algorithms to help managers keep score of points. While you may not need such a complex system for the office, you can apply a similar strategy to build your fantasy work team.

Roadmap to Success

When drafting a fantasy football team, each participant uses various strategies to clearly map out the road to winning their league. Statisticians pour over last year’s data. Former athletes care-

fully review injury reports. Gossipers check out what off the field antics may impact a player’s ability to perform come game time. And then the armchair psychiatrists attempt to use their powers of persuasion to sway others’ picks.

Keeper fantasy leagues let participants retain a certain number of players year to year. In business, unless you’re building a team from the ground up, you already have some great talent around you accomplishing great things. This is your keeper work team.

But what got you here won’t get you where you want to go. So you have to clearly understand what you’re working towards. Review your annual goals and longer term plans, mapping out steps you need to take to achieve your objec-

tives. The more concrete you can get the better. Gaps in your roadmap to success will become apparent fairly quickly.

Filling the Gaps

Someone drafting a fantasy team isn’t going to waste an mid-round pick on a quarterback if they already have one. Instead, they look to see where they may have weak spots on their bench or snag a solid flex player.

Sorting the gaps on your work team operates the same way. Say you have a team of engineers and you’re planning to hire yet another engineer, but what you really need is someone to manage projects or invoice customers.

Before you post a position and interviews candidates, you should have specific needs identified

CHAMBER CENTRAL

Supporting Small Businesses Affected by Unfair Unemployment Compensation Rate Increases

There are a large number of small businesses in the Commonwealth and throughout our region facing significant increases in their Unemployment Compensation (UC) rate as a result of the COVID shutdown. This issue first surfaced in Philadelphia by a restaurant owner who was in business for over forty years and never had an unemployment claim filed against him. Although the establishment was forced to close due to the pandemic, the business was able to regain their footing and re opened their doors in July of 2022. To their surprise, their new UC was set at new, higher rates instead of their rates prior to their closure.

Unfortunately, the 40 year establishment that worked so hard to reopen their business after a very long shutdown may now be forced to close again due to their new skyrocketing UC rates.

Fantasy Work Team ● From 1

that your keeper work team cannot fill. It doesn’t matter whether your team has a bandwidth or skillset gap. What matters is that you’re not guessing at what type of additional support you need on your team and just hiring a candidate because they seem like someone you’d want to have a beer with.

Also, don’t assume every member of your team is in the right seat for their unique abilities. If someone on your team would be better suited to fill one of your identified gaps, perhaps you really need to look for a new hire to backfill their position instead.

The Right Players

With a well rounded starting lineup from the early rounds of draft picks, fantasy league participants have to make decisions about who to go after later in the draft depending on what they still need and who’s left on the block when it’s their turn to pick.

When it comes to hiring the best candidate, there are two different schools of thought: do you want someone with the best qualifications or someone who vibes well with your team? Like that old nature/nurture debate, the answer is probably a bit of both.

Yes, you can always teach skills specific to your company if the new hire has a solid foundation of experience and training to build on. Likewise, experts with strong personalities can work well together if you set expectations right away on professionalism and team culture as their leader.

However, what will never work is hiring an affable buffoon who doesn’t have a clue how to run your machinery or an expert who’s a complete a$$hole to everyone around them. Both will crush morale in their own

Small businesses throughout our county have taken significant hits since the start of the pandemic. Therefore, the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce will be adding Senate Bill 1319 to their legislative platform, which will be strongly communicated among other chambers, key officials and more in support, but most importantly continued movement of the bill throughout the PA Legislature. Senate 1319 was introduced by Senator David Argall (Berks & Schuylkill Counties) which establishes new language within the Department of Labor & Industry, which would “allow employers to obtain the same UC rates upon any disaster emergency declared by the Governor.”

The Chamber will continue to monitor this bill, but would like to hear from any of our members or businesses that may be experiencing this hardship to ensure we continue to share and advocate our position throughout Pennsylvania.

ways and ruin your fantasy work team.

Keep Your Eye on the Prize

The difference between last year’s defending fantasy league champion and that guy who always finishes near the bottom might just be how well they manage to keep their eyes on that football shaped prize. Those focused on their long decisions that bring them closer to winning instead of chasing distracting shiny things that inevitably present themselves.

When building a winning fantasy work team, keep your eye on your prize (your long term goals) to help you identify the best candidates for your position. Do a pros/cons list. Would their list of pros clearly bring you closer to your goals or would their cons distract you from them? A word of advice? Involve your team and have them do the same pros/cons exercise with candidates after meeting with them.

It’s been said that sport imitates life. You could argue that life also imitates sport, even if it’s only a fantasy team.

&Member

Quinn Brewing Company & Elements Venue held a Ribbon Cutting and Open House on September 8 to showcase their new venue in North Huntingdon

The Chamber’s Director of Membership, Lisa Kennedy, is joined by Committee Members Anne-Marie Welty from InFirst Bank and Rebecca Robbins from Smail Auto at the Women of Westmoreland Luncheon held at Giannilli’s II on September 16. Colonel Nancy Anderson discussed the Myers Briggs Personality test, and how it can help you understand yourself, and others, in

Graham Insurance Group hosted a Wake Up Westmoreland networking event at their office on September 20. Jim Graham , President of Graham Insurance Group joins Chamber CEO Dan DeBone and Dave Wagner, the new Marketing/Events Coordinator for the Chamber.

Penn Township hosted our monthly BASH (Business After Scheduled Hours) at Nicassio Fields in Harrison City on September 22. Pictured left are Jason McCabe from Skelly & Loy and Chamber CEO Dan DeBone. Pictured right are Faith McCutheon from Living Way Church, and Laura Edgerly from Laura Edgerly Designs.

Aestique Plastic Surgical Associates, Inc.

Carol Harris Staffing

Superior Office Support

Vale vista Associates

Weatherwood Manor

Willowbrook Dental Associates

Bardine’s Country Smokehouse

Bethlen Communities Business Solutions Today, Inc. Don’s Appliances

F. Tinker & Sons Company

Tue., October 4 at 5:00 PM ● Carlow University at WCCC, Youngwood

Whether you’re new to the Chamber or simply need a refresher, join us for Member Orientation! Learn how to maximize your membership investment, find out about the Chamber's full array of benefits and programs, and share information about your company with other new members & Chamber staff.

Thurs., October 13 at 5:00 PM ● LIVE Casino, Greensburg

Join us for a buckin' good time with entertainment, drinks, and appetizers, followed by the presentation of our four annual awards:

• Not for Profit of the Year: Feeding the Spirit

• Business of the Year: Live! Casino

• Chamber Member of the Year: Laura Edgerly

• ATHENA® award: Dr. Carol Fox

Tues., October 18 at 8:00 AM

Greensburg Community Development Corporation, Greensburg

Start your workday with us. Be ready to present your 60 second elevator pitch!

Thu., October 26 at 4:30 PM

Café Italiano, Jeannette

Join us for some after hours networking! No cost to members thanks to a sponsorship from Dollar Bank!

Cavallo Fields

Annette Sackett

5021 Pleasant Unity Rd Latrobe, PA 15650 724 424 2332

www.cavallofields.com

The Church Online LLC

Melissa Wharton

1000 Ardmore Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15221

412 349 0049

www.thechurchonline.com

Churchills Sports Lounge

Drew Dean 201 Baughman Avenue Jeannette, PA 15644 724 522 5907

www.churchillssportslounge.com

Irwin Family Chiropractic

Trevor Allen 60 Oak Street Irwin, PA 15642 724 863 3226 www.ifchiro.com

Mary Kay - Renee Seamone

Renee Seamone 724 331 4424 www.marykay\RSeamone

Wal Mart Greensburg

Chuck Jenkins

2200 Greengate Center Greensburg, PA 15601 724 830 2440 www.walmart.com

Westmoreland Media Group

Jillian Kon

The Exit Eagle

Virginia Altman

140 South Main Street Greensburg, PA 15601

412 514 1050

www.TheExitEagle.com

Oliver Outdoor

Kelly Mattson

110 West Diamond Street Butler, PA 16001 724 256 8555

www.oliveroutdoor.com

Renewal by Andersen

Bailey Knight 1640 Golden Mile Highway Monroeville, PA 15146 878 225 9058

www.renewalbyandersen.com

1741 Ipnar Rd Irwin, PA 15642 724 610 3990 www.westmorelandmediagroup. com Wharton Curtis, LLC

Melissa Wharton 1000 Ardmore Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15221 412 866 5001 www.whartoncurtis.com

2022 Board of Directors

Bradley Roth McDowell Associates (Chair)

Paul Ward Kennametal (Vice Chair)

Chris Mohler King Sendell Motors (Treasurer)

Tom Chakurda Excela Health (Secretary)

Parag Bedekar Hydro Carbide Tool Company

Thomas Jeffrey Cook Somerset Trust Company

Dan Galbraith Solutionist SWAG

Maria LaVelle Pheple Federal Credit Union

Mark Lawrence PNC Bank

Vicki Loucks Redstone Presbyterian SeniorCare

Sherry Magretti Hamilton Westmoreland County Register of Wills

Dr. Robert Mayfield Tenaska

Jeffrey McDonald West Penn Power/First Energy

Janeen Moffa 1st Summit Bank

Ann Nemanic GO Laurel Highlands

Jason Rigone Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation

Judge Harry F. Smail, Jr. Westmoreland County Civil and Orphans Court

Sean Sullivan Live! Casino

Annie Urban Seton Hill University

Daniel Wesolowski Elliott Group

*James Smith Economic Growth Connection

*Michael Storms Elliott Group

*Tony Vecchio Coldwell Banker

* Ex officio member

Solicitor

James Creenan Creenan & Baczkowski, PC

T. Harrer Construction

Tim Harrer

Faerie Grace LLC

Faerie Grace

PO Box 98

Crabtree, PA 15624

724 689 9501

www.faeriegrace.com

Ginny’s Home Away From Home

Virginia Altman

140 South Main Street

Greensburg, PA 15601

412 514 1050

506 Point Drive

Greensburg, PA 15601

724 420 6937

www.tharrerconstruction.com

Third Avenue Business Advisors

Michelle L. Ivill

5182 Liberty Avenue #90195

Pittsburgh, PA 15224

412 436 9808

www.thirdavenueadvisors.com

Do You Know a Non-Member?

We invite you to encourage others in our county to join our Chamber community where 900 other businesses support their fellow members! For referring a new member, we would like to express our thanks with a complimentary flyer in our newsletter!

Chamber Staff

Dan DeBone President & CEO

Lisa Kennedy Director of Membership

Joanne Pearson Senior Director of Operations

Mara Shields Communications Assistant

Dave Wagner Marketing & Events

Grace Markum Leadership Westmoreland Facilitator/Consultant

*Between 9/1/2022 and 11/30/2022, open a 1ST SUMMIT BANK Checking and Savings Account simultaneously that shares at least one owner, then engage the checking account. An account is considered engaged if, in the month containing the 90th day since opening, there is at least one deposit and two withdrawal transactions, one of which must be a Debit Card POS or ATM withdrawal. $25 will be deposited to the checking and $25 to the savings account within 15 days following the month-end where engagement is determined. Offers may be changed or discontinued at any time. One bonus offer per customer. 1ST SUMMIT BANK Professionals are not eligible. Bonus may be taxable as interest income and reported on IRS form 1099-INT. Consult your tax advisor. Account must be in open status to receive bonus payment. Enrollment in eStatements is required and a 1ST SUMMIT Debit Card will be issued. Member FDIC

Sponsorship Opportunities

Founders Circle $10,000

20 Guests Includes VIP Event, Cocktail Hour, Dinner & Dancing (Full page Program Ad)

Golden Advocate Sponsor $5,000

10 Guests Includes VIP Event, Cocktail Hour, Dinner & Dancing (Full page Program Ad)

Silver Advocate Sponsor $3,000

6 Guests Includes VIP Event, Cocktail Hour, Dinner & Dancing (Half page Program Ad)

Champion Advocate Sponsor $1,200

Guests Includes Cocktail Hour, Dinner & Dancing (Name in Program)

Hero Sponsor $600

Includes Cocktail Hour, Dinner &

(Name

Gala Ticket

5pm 6pm Cocktail Hour,

Event Ticket

4PM - 5PM Private Cocktail Hour & Hors D’oeuvres

-

Bistro

Why

business (Does that little

is done when scheduled

do

warranty on inside french drain

success ratio on

Clean-up after

Contract

Why Do Basements Leak?

1) As the ground becomes saturated, the water table begins to rise, putting pressure against the basement floor, then water seeks cracks in the cement for entry caused by hydrostatic water pressure.

2) Inadequate gutters and down spout leadoffs

3) Clogged or defective exterior french drains

French drain

4) Improper grading of the terrain

5) Poor soil draining (clay & shell)

6) High water table, etc.

These are some causes of a leaking basement which can be remedied by an interior french drain.

How To Remedy a Basement Leak with Interior French Drain

Installation of an interior french drain relieves hydrostatic water pressure at the base of the foundation and under the basement floor. The french drain itself will eliminate water seepage under the footer, where the block touches the footer and it drains the water out of the foundation by applying weep holes to the block.

a business you believe in.

your business

can

For your employees

• Up to $400 and free checks with an Everything Checking Account***

Linked Everything Savings Account

• 1/4% rate discount on a Consumer Fixed Rate Loan or Line of Credit†

• No closing costs on a Consumer Home Equity Term Loan†

Property insurance is required. No closing costs for loans under $500,000 only. Use promo code 35.

Start your relationship with Dollar Bank now.

Fees could reduce earnings. Account opening is subject to approval and accounts are available only to consumers residing in Dollar Bank’s markets. Offer for Workplace Banking participants and new checking customers only and is non-transferable. To qualify for the offer, an Everything Checking account must be opened by 12/31/22 and coupon must be presented at account opening. Up to $400 is available in one $100 Mastercard debit card rebate, one $200 credit, and one $100 credit. To receive the $100 debit card rebate, the account must receive cumulative payroll deposits of $1,000 or more within 90 days of account opening and the account must be in good standing. The $100 debit card rebate will be added to the new checking account within 40 days of the qualifying cumulative payroll deposits. To receive the $200 credit, the account must receive cumulative payroll deposits of $5,000 or more within 90 days of account opening and the account must be in good standing. The $200 will be credited to the new checking account within 40 days of the qualifying cumulative payroll deposits. For the Workplace Banking I offer, only payroll direct deposits will qualify towards the $100 debit card rebate and $200 credit requirement. For the Workplace Banking II offer, payroll deposits are not required to be direct deposits to qualify towards the $100 debit card rebate and $200 credit, but the participant’s employer must be a Dollar Bank customer and enrolled in Workplace Banking. The $100 credit will be applied within 2 months of the 1-year anniversary of account opening provided the account qualified for the $100 debit card rebate, is active, in good standing and is in a qualifying plan. Maximum amount is $400 per account and one per household. Subject to 1099 tax reporting. Offer includes Introductory 40 check package. † Loan discounts are not available for the refinance of an existing Dollar Bank consumer loan, line or mortgage unless it is a Home Equity refinance that includes $15,000 or more of new money available or advanced. Loan discounts require customer to have a qualified checking account; qualified checking accounts are subject to certain terms and conditions and may change after account opening. No Overdraft Checking does not qualify for 1/4% rate discount. Does not apply to Dollar Bank Residential Lending Department loan applications. Home Works Home Loans are not eligible for the no closing cost offer. An appraisal may be required for loan amounts of $500,000 or greater. If required, you will be charged the cost of the appraisal that will range from $75$575. Borrower is responsible for any recording-related taxes or fees in Virginia. If you prepay your loan in full within 36 months, you will reimburse Dollar Bank for third-party closing costs paid for closing your loan.

Loans subject to Dollar Bank underwriting guidelines.

Must qualify for Workplace Banking I or II to be eligible for these offers. Offers subject to change or termination without notice and cannot be combined with other offers.

all the benefits and features you need to keep your business running smoothly — and affordably.

are expanding our talented team in Mount Pleasant! Intervala is hiring for numerous positions in a variety of areas. So, if you’re looking for a new opportunity, don’t miss our on-site job fair!

•

•

CNC

•

•

• Positions in engineering, purchasing, accounting, human resources, contracts administration and more!

• Attractive benefits and compensation, including bonus programs

• Some positions eligible for increases after 90 days

• Training and professional development opportunities

• Full-time and part-time positions

• Multiple shifts and flexible schedules available for some positions

Shift differential paid

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and authorized to work in the U.S.

Intervala is a leading-edge electronics manufacturing company that values its team members and loves helping its customers succeed. If you take pride in your work and are customeroriented, let’s talk!

Intervala takes pride in having a dynamic and diverse workforce. We remain committed to making employment opportunities available to all individuals. Employment selection and related decisions are made regardless of sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Join us for our next event

Home SWEET Home

Tuesday, November 15, 2022 | 5:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Central Westmoreland Habitat for Humanity 212 Outlet Way, Greensburg

$20

About The Event

per person

Whether you are buying, selling or maintaining value this event is full of essential tips for sweetening your home!

Enjoy beverages and light bites while listening to local female professionals give advice on home renovations and interior design techniques.

Take a tour of Central Westmoreland Habitat for Humanity and find inspiration for your next home project in the warehouse store. Learn how to decorate the ultimate SWEET treat to have when entertaining guests sugar cookies!

About The Charity

Habitat for Humanity partners with people in your community, and all over the world, to help them build or improve a place they can call home. All event proceeds benefit this charity.

Guest Speakers

Cahla Downs, Realtor, Keller Williams Realty

Tiffany Contic, Principal and Interior Designer, 7Tier Design Studio

Sheri Slezak, Owner and Certified Pastry Culinarian , Heart and Soul Cookies & Pastries

Jessica Geary, Certified Financial Planner , SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management

For more details and to register for this event, scan the QR code and open the link that appears in your browser or visit www.go2goalus.com/she. Pre-registration required by November 8th.

World-Class Specialty Care

Close to Home

UPMC SPECIALTY CARE

UPMC.com/ OldWmPennHghSC

• Diabetes and Endocrinology (Telemedicine)

• Neurology

• Podiatry

• Rheumatology

UPMC SPECIALTY CARE

UPMC.com/SpruceStSC

• Cardiology

• Dermatology

UPMC OUTPATIENT CENTER

UPMC.com/PellisRoadOPC

• Cardiothoracic Care

• Diabetes and Endocrinology

• Ear, Nose, and Throat (Telemedicine)

Gastrointestinal (GI) Care

General Surgery

Heart and Vascular Care

4448 Old William Penn Hwy. Murrysville, PA 15668

Phone: 833-724-0998

• Future services at the location may include

> Cardiology

> General Surgery Consultations

905 Spruce St., Suite 101 Irwin, PA 15642

Phone: 800-533-8762

• Neurology

• Gastrointestinal (GI) Care

410 Pellis Road, Lower Level Greensburg, PA 15601 Phone: 724-853-4559

• Imaging Services

• Neurology

• Obstetrics and Gynecology Services

• Orthopaedic Care

• Pain Management

• Urology

Irwin