SEPTEMBER 2016
CHAMBER CENTRAL
A PUBLICATION OF THE WESTMORELAND COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS SEPTEMBER 1 7:45 am - MBPA Chapter Networking Breakfast, Dick’s Diner, Murrysville
SEPTEMBER 8 8:00 am - Marketing Committee Meeting 11:30 am - Member Luncheon, DeNunzio’s Italian Chophouse, Latrobe
SEPTEMBER 20 7:45 am - Breakfast B.A.S.H., Lighting Gallery, Greensburg
SEPTEMBER 21 5:00 pm - Chamber B.A.S.H., Adelphoi, Latrobe
SEPTEMBER 22
8:00 am - Government Affairs Committee Meeting
SEPTEMBER 23
8:00 am - Ambassador Committee Meeting 4:00 pm - Ribbon Cutting, Petagogy, Greensburg
SEPTEMBER 27
7:45 am - Coffee & Connections, Harmon House Care Center, Mount Pleasant *Events held in Chamber office unless otherwise noted.
2016 Chamber Leadership Award Winners Announced The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce is proud to honor excellence in local business at the 2016 Annual Business Meeting and Chamber Awards Luncheon in October. The Annual Business Meeting is held each fall to recognize the organization’s leadership, highlight past year achievements, and review the goals for the upcoming year. In addition to the brief business meeting, an awards ceremony will be held to recognize and honor the 2016 award recipients. This year’s award recipients include: Charley Family SHOP ‘n SAVE Business of the Year Jim Graham Graham Insurance Group-Nationwide Chamber Member of the Year CASA of Westmoreland Not-for-Profit of the Year Angela Rose-O’Brien Angela’s Angels ATHENA® Award Nominations, submitted by fellow members, were collected during the months of May, June and July. A 14-member panel of judges independently read each nomination summary and rated each candidate. Scores were calculated to determine the award recipient in each category. Recipients will be honored in a special awards ceremony during the luncheon event that includes a video presentation; and each recipient will receive a handsome engraved plaque. “As in the past, the Chamber was thrilled with the caliber of nominees this year. These nominees are the types of outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations that embody the Chamber and make Westmoreland County a
great place to live and work,” said Chad Amond, president of the Chamber. “The recipients as well as the nominees are all winners, as is Westmoreland County for having them as a part of our community.” Other nominees included Advanced Carbide Grinding, Courtyard by Marriott Greensburg, Hillview Motors, Home Depot, MedCare Equipment Company, Morris Knowles & Associates, and the Markosky Engineering Group for Business of the Year; Jeanie Bock of Integrity Retirement & Estate Advisors, Kathleen Comini of PNC Bank, Michael Katchur of Green Apple Barter Services and Toni Wilson of Somerset Trust Company for Chamber Member of the Year; ACHIEVA/Arc of Westmoreland, Central Westmoreland Habitat for Humanity, The Father’s Heart Ministries, Laurel Faith in Action, SCORE of Westmoreland, Stage Right, Westmoreland Cleanways, Westmoreland County Area Agency on Aging, Westmoreland County Blind Association, and The Westmoreland Museum of American Art for Not-for-Profit of the Year; and Margaret Hildebrand for ATHENA® Award. The 2016 Annual Business Meeting & Chamber Awards Luncheon will be held on Thursday, October 13 at 11:30 a.m. at the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center in Greensburg. The event includes a plated lunch, brief business meeting and awards ceremony. The event is sponsored by First Commonwealth Bank, Graham Insurance Group, S&T Bank, Classic Hits 107.1 WHJB, Trib Total Media, Comcast and Skene 19 Films. Register online at westmorelandchamber.com or call the Chamber office at 724-834-2900.
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.
CHAMBER CENTRAL Upcoming
Mark your calendar!
SEPTEMBER MEMBER LUNCHEON “ARE YOU PREPARED TO FACE AND SURVIVE AN EMERGENCY?” Presented by Mary Beth Eslary Westmoreland County Department of Public Safety
Cost is $25 for members/ $40 for future members.
Thursday, September 8, 2016 • 11:30 AM-1:15 PM DeNunzio’s Italian Chophouse (148 Aviation Lane, Latrobe, PA 15650) Mary Beth Eslary serves as the Public Information Officer / Outreach Coordinator for the Westmoreland County Department of Public Safety. Prior to this post, she served 10 years as a Telecommunications Officer for Westmoreland County, dispatching the Police, Fire and EMS Departments. Previous to her 911 career, she worked in the field as an EMT. Her certifications include CPR, EMD, APCO, Psychological First Aid, and she has also completed NIMS 100/300/700/800. Mary Beth currently resides in the Ligonier Township area after relocating with her children from the Mon Valley. In her spare time she is a member of the Wilpen Fire Department, enjoys Astrology, and has a passion for fast cars.
BREAKFASTS
Luncheon Sponsors:
MURRYSVILLE BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION CHAPTER BREAKFAST Thursday, September 1 • 7:45 - 9:00 AM Dick’s Diner, Murrysville $10 for non-MBPA members $20 for non-Chamber/non-MBPA members
BREAKFAST B.A.S.H. Tuesday, September 20 • 7:45 - 9:00 AM Lighting Gallery, Greensburg Free for Members/$20 for Future Members
COFFEE & CONNECTIONS Tuesday, September 27 • 7:45 - 9:00 AM Harmon House Care Center, Mt. Pleasant Free for Members/$10 for Future Members
Wednesday, Sept. 21 • 5:00-7:00 PM Hosted by: Adelphoi
BASH
1119 Village Way, Latrobe, PA 15650
Please join the Chamber and Adelphoi on Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 5-7 PM. Come out and enjoy refreshments, enter to win door prizes, and take a tour of the Adelphoi Campus! No cost to members thanks to a Sponsorship by Dollar Bank!
CHAMBER CENTRAL It’s Back To School Time…and that goes for everyone! The night air is turning crisp. High school stadiums across Westmoreland County are aglow each Friday night lighting the way for touchdowns and marching bands. Plus, the morning commute is a few minutes longer while we wait for the kids to board the buses. That can mean only one thing. It’s back to school time.
ers with the skills necessary to meet current business demands. Let’s face it, a four-year degree in art history doesn’t do you much good if all of the job openings are for welders. At a time when the economy is already stressed, we must do a better job of matching the skills of our workers to the jobs that exist. If not, our people and our region is at risk of being left behind.
rest of the world – business owners and their employees must be dedicated to lifelong learning. The continued success of our business community depends upon being able to employ workers with the skills necessary to drive today’s increasingly complex business environment. It also depends on affording those who possess an entrepreneurial spirit with the technical know how to put their ideas into action.
Today’s business environment presents its share of challenges. The dynamic nature of today’s economy depends on a more nimble workforce that understands technology and its role in growing a business. Business practices are being refined and sharpened quarter by quarter and day by day. For some, it can be very difficult to keep pace. The skills that once made you cutting edge may now have you feeling like a dinosaur.
Westmoreland County is fortunate to have a number of adult education centers geared toward helping you keep up with the changing business environment. From the outstanding programs at Westmoreland County Community College and numerous four year schools to trade and technical schools, Westmoreland County is well positioned to meet the challenge of workforce development head on. But like any journey it begins with taking the first step. And that step begins with you. It also requires that we guide our kids into realistic career paths. And that path may look very different for different people.
So whether you go back to school to learn a trade, finish a degree, pursue a graduate degree, or simply commit to attending a few professional development seminars, remember that education is the key to our collective success. To learn more about schools in our area offering adult education programs, visit the Chamber’s website or talk with one of our many members who make education their business.
At the Chamber office we hear time and again that member businesses struggle to find work-
To compete with other parts of Southwestern Pennsylvania – the rest of our nation and the
Chad Amond Westmoreland County Chamber President
Every September it’s the same routine. Kids fill the office supply store, stocking up on notebooks, pens and the other necessary tools for learning. Then it’s off to shop for the latest sneakers and hottest fashions. But school isn’t just for the kids – at least it shouldn’t be.
Mark your calendars and plan to attend one of the Chamber’s biggest events of the year—the Awards Luncheon & Annual Business Meeting! This event includes a delicious luncheon, brief business meeting and presentation of the annual Chamber Leadership Awards. 2016 award categories include Business of the Year, Chamber Member of the Year, Not-for-Profit of the Year and ATHENA® Award. Sponsorships for this signature event are still available—you can find all the details on the enclosed newsletter insert. Register online at
www.westmorelandchamber.com Luncheon • Networking • Business Meeting • Award Presentations
Happy learning!
October 1 - 31 Westmoreland Walks, Inc. invites you to show support of breast cancer survivors by making pink pop up everywhere! Help raise awareness by decorating your business pink!
CHAMBER CENTRAL ‘Find Your Fit’ at Westmoreland County Volunteer Fair If you are searching for volunteer opportunities in Westmoreland County, this is the most comprehensive place to start. Westmoreland Association of Volunteer Administrators (WAVA) invites you to its annual ‘Find Your Fit’ Volunteer Fair on Friday, September 23 from 9 a.m. to Noon at Westmoreland County Community College (Gymnasium, Founders Hall).
Attendees will encounter a variety of agencies & organizations as well as have the opportunity to explore various volunteer opportunities and/or internships. This event is free to attend and individuals, families and groups are welcome. Visit volunteerwestmoreland.org or call 724-420-4184 for more information.
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.
E BAR NIN
On July 27, Jamey Henry & the staff at Bar Nine celebrated the Grand Opening of Greensburg’s newest gastropub.
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.
2016 WAVA Members Include: Allegheny Valley Association of Churches Alle-Kiski Area Hope Center Angela’s Angels Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region CASA of Westmoreland Central Westmoreland Habitat for Humanity Excela Health Faith in Action-United Way of Southwestern PA Heartland Hospice Juvenile Probation of Westmoreland County Laurel Area Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers Ligonier Valley Learning Center Lions- District 14-E Medi Home Hospice Nickers 'N Neighs Therapeutic Riding Center Norwin Area Meals on Wheels Overly’s Country Christmas Palace Theatre ParentWISE Program of Family Services of Western PA Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/ Fayette Inc. Redstone Presbyterian Senior Care RSVP/APPRISE of Westmoreland County Scottdale Healthcare Rehab Senior Independence Tri City Meals on wheels Union Mission Valley Center for Active Adults Via Quest Hospice Welcome Home- Connect, Inc. West Haven Manor Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival, Inc. Westmoreland Cleanways & Recycling Westmoreland Community Action Westmoreland County Blind Association Westmoreland County Community College Learning Center Westmoreland County Food Bank Wildlife Works Inc. Word of Life Ministries YWCA of Westmoreland County
CHAMBER CENTRAL We’re Making Connections!
B.A.S.H. @ The Rehabilitation & Nursing Center of Greater Pittsburgh
Luncheon @ Waterworks Pub & Event Center
CHAMBER CENTRAL
MEMBER
SPOTLIGHT: DON ROHAC,
Westmoreland SCORE Meet our Member Spotlight for September: Don Rohac, volunteer member at Westmoreland SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives). SCORE is a national nonprofit volunteer association dedicated to helping entrepreneurs start and grow their business as well as assisting small businesses with non-biased third party recommendations to help them achieve their goals and grow. Westmoreland SCORE has been providing nocharge service to the local business community for over 50 years. Their offices are located at the McKenna School of Business at St. Vincent College, and they currently have 40 volunteers. Don has been active with Westmoreland SCORE for 12 years. In addition to working with a number of entrepreneurs and small businesses in Westmoreland county, he also has several Indiana and Somerset County clients. He also serves as a member of the Marketing Committee. Don says he finds “witnessing first-hand the success of a number of entrepreneurs and small businesses” very rewarding. What does Don enjoy the most about being a Chamber member? “It’s been my pleasure to work with the Chamber staff in developing a SCORE marketing plan using the Chamber’s printed and electronic media,” he explains. When he’s not volunteering at SCORE, Don also lends his time to St. Vincent DePaul Society as well as a Westmoreland County Food Pantry. He can also be found on the golf course, at a local fitness center, or working on home improvement projects. Find out more at www.westmoreland.score.org or facebook.com/ westmorelandscore.
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN Dear Fellow Chamber Members, The month of September reveals many exciting times –back to school, Labor Day festivities, the NFL regular season, and Fall festivals, to name a few. Just as we know that the Steelers cannot achieve success without Westmoreland County, we know that our members cannot reach their goals without a strong educational system to supply a quality workforce. As many know, the Chamber has taken a leading role in the Westmoreland County Forum for Workforce Development. President Chad Amond and Board Members Jim Smith, Jason Rigone and Dr. Jamie Piraino have led the initiative. The group is linking business, government, and education to focus on the County’s need for skilled labor by aligning education with job growth. The Workforce Forum has a clear purpose: “to connect business and education and coordinate opportunities that will improve workforce quality and economic development; to strengthen college and career awareness, exploration, preparation, and development; to promote business education partnerships by facilitating and leading student internships, job shadowing, e-mentoring, apprenticeships, and work-based learning program opportunities; and to work with all stakeholders associated with basic and postsecondary education and training and certification programs for business and industry.” The Forum continues to improve the County and we are proud of the work they do. Labor Day should also be a time to say “Thank you” to the people that make your business run so well. There are plenty of no cost and low cost symbols of appreciation, but sometimes the best thank you is the one said eye to eye (or, with cash).
James W. Creenan Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Attorney, Creenan & Baczkowski, PC
CHAMBER CENTRAL The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the following businesses as NEW MEMBERS of our organization! Berenbrok Flooring Improvements, LLC Paul Berenbrok 1010 Chestnut Street Latrobe, PA 15650 724-879-4803 www.berenbrokfillc.com Specialty Stores & Services
Bryn Enterprises LLC Elizabeth Nagoda 2081 Borland Farm Rd., Unit D Export, PA 15632 724-325-1355 Restoration & Waterproofing Services
Budget Master Printing John Dalicandro 135 East Pittsburgh Street Greensburg, PA 15601 814-836-6330 Printers & Business Forms
Camp Bow Wow Danielle Mashuda 1610 McClure Road Monroeville, PA 15146 303-520-9499 www.campbowwowpgh.com Veterinary Care & Animal Services
Clayton M. Anderson, Jr., O.D. Danielle Cozza 784 West Main Street Mount Pleasant, PA 15666 724-547-6130 Physicians, Dentists, Eye & Ear Care Professionals
The Daniel Carinci Agency LLC Megan Loughman 2 Dollar Avenue Scottdale, PA 15683 724-594-3266 www.agency.nationwide.com/ dan-carinci-in-scottdale-pa Agents & Offices (Finance & Insurance)
EconomicsPennsylvania Sarah Vannatta 195 Airport Road Selinsgrove, PA 17870 479-599-8340 Not for Profit
European Wax Center Heather Graham 4811 William Penn Highway Murrysville, PA 15668 201-321-1391 www.waxcenter.com Beauty Salons, Spa Services
Fast Times Screen Printing & Sign Co. Allison Johnson 2030 Shelly Drive Indiana, PA 15701 724-463-9007 www.fasttimes.us Advertising Specialties, Corporate Gifts
Humane Society of Westmoreland County Jessica Zerebnick Route 119 North P.O. Box 1552 Greensburg, PA 15601 724-837-3779 www.hswcgbg.petfinder.com Not for Profit
Innovative Remodeling Concepts, LLC Rosaria Stabile 5550 Old William Penn Hwy., A7 Export, PA 15632 412-628-3142 Remodeling
Levin Furniture Charles Christner 5280 Route 30, Suite 2 Greensburg, PA 15601 724-872-2050 www.levinfurniture.com Furniture & Home Furnishings
Loyalhanna Wealth Advisors of Janney Michael Reese 121 East Main Street, 2nd Floor Ligonier, PA 15658 724-238-6684 Financial Advisors, Retirement Services
Mr. Rooter Plumbing Bob Beall 64 Progress Avenue Cranberry Township, PA 16066 724-776-2266 www.rooter2.com Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical
New Horizons Counseling, LLC Joan McCullough-Crissman 4578 William Penn Highway Murrysville, PA 15668 724-972-6409 www.newhorizons4you.com Psychologists & Counseling Services
Pratter Inc. Tom Whytsell 120 Village Drive Greensburg, PA 15601 724-830-8100 www.pratter.us Health & Supplemental Coverage
Sun Dawg Cafe Rachel Flowers 37 North Main Street Greensburg, PA 15601 724-205-6939 www.sundawgcafe.com Casual Dining
Let’s Connect!
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.