Pa Proud 2013 by 21st Century Newspapers PA

PA PROUD

June, 2013

Micro brews making a big splash in PA l By Gary Puleo l gpuleo@timesherald.com

t seems Pennsylvania’s been busy brewing up a lot more than Yuengling. With all due respect to the country’s oldest brewery, located in Pottsville, a report released earlier this year by the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee indicates there were more than 100 breweries operating in the state at the end of 2011. That’s double the number of breweries that existed 10 years earlier. How many of those are microbreweries is anyone’s guess, noted an associate of the Brewers of Pennsylvania, who asked to remain anonymous. “It really all depends on how you define a microbrewery,” he said. “Years ago you could define Victory Brewery as a microbrewery, but today it can be anything from a local brewpub to a guy brewing out of his basement.” The American Brewers Association defines a craft brewery as “small, independent and traditional,” producing fewer than 6,000,000 barrels of beer a year. Then again, a brewpub may be called a microbrewery if it’s avidly distributing a fair amount of suds off site. Among those that blend their own brand of hops and yeast on the premises and serve the amber-hued results with food, only a few have developed the loyal following of Appalachian Brewing Co. With authentic wood beams overhead, timeworn brick walls bedecked with nostalgic art that touts the microbrewery’s lineup of artisanal suds -- Jolly Scott Ale or Hoppy Trails, anyone? – the Collegeville brewpub is doing justice to its partnering, 15-year-old flagship location in a 1915-era building back in downtown Harrisburg. As popular purveyors of handcrafted elixirs and fine food in Harrisburg, Camp Hill, and Gettysburg, the Appalachian concept infiltrated Montgomery County two years ago, with a state-of the-art copper and stainless steel Newlands brewing system, capable of brewing batches of 140 gallons of standard and seasonal beers.

File photo by Mark C Psoras

Pete Lyon, left, pours out samples of Keystone Home Brew during the Lansdale Beer Tasting Festival on Saturday, June 23, 2012. Staples here include Water Gap Wheat Ale, a “light and refreshing American style wheat beer, brewed with a high percentage of malted wheat, a beer true to character with a hazy unfiltered glow. The citrus flavors are complemented by a slice of lemon traditionally served on the side,” and Mountain Lager, which the makers describe as a crisp and drinkable lager brewed in the Dortmunder-Export style with all the flavor of its German heritage. The beer boasts “a golden blond color and exhibits a moderate hop palate with a mellow finish. Our brewers have developed this beer as a tribute to the Appalachian Mountains where we live and play.” A summery favorite surfacing in July, Hinterland Hefe Weizen is billed as a “light-bodied wheat ale,

using special yeast (called ‘hefe’) to produce clove and banana flavors during fermentation. This unfiltered beer has an incredibly spicy and fruity complexity. Is it any wonder that 28 percent of all beer consumed in Germany is Weizen-style beer?” the brewmasters wonder. Three-year-old Prism Brewing Company in North Wales was founded by Rob DeMaria, a Philadelphia native who found artistic expression in making beer, according to his company bio. A friend’s request to concoct a flavorful and unique brew led to the creation of a honey-laced India Pale Ale, which became so popular it spawned Bitto Honey IPA, named after the buddy who inspired it. Please see BREWS on D8

PA PROUD

June, 2013

Driving Innovation in Manufacturing and Engineering in the Delaware Valley Acero Precision pursues perfection

cero Precision hatched with the idea to innovate the manufacturing arena. Today, the state-ofthe-art precision CNC manufacturing facility serves industrial, analytical, motor sport and medical clients globally, including its in-house spinal device instrumentation center, producing some of the world’s most complex components right here in the Delaware Valley. Established over twenty five years, Acero has celebrated a growth average of 13 percent year over year for the past decade. President and founder, Michael Fitzgerald, credits the company’s long-term success to dynamic employee training programs and endless investments made to quality assurance systems and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI). All of which, have awarded the company several best practices by the leading industry publication, Production Machining, in the article, “The Pursuit of Perfection.” In 2013, Acero cheered on motorsport clients during the Indy 500, as well as the Formula One Grand Prix as it provided key racing instruments used in both first place winning cars. Speed to market, innovation and precision are what set the first and second place winners apart. It is a relationship that Fitzgerald, a decorated racer, respects. So much so, he created the Acero Field Experience, an off-site training program that pairs Acero engineers with world renown racing teams. After being awarded with the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) 9001 and 13485, Acero began serving the medical

device community. In 2011, Acero acquired a line of patented medical devices and named its new company Altus Spine. Today, Altus Spine engineers spinal instruments and devices for minimally invasive lumbar and pedicle fusion surgeries. With the acquisition of its sister company, Acero Precision set its sights on a larger and more expansive facility. Scheduled to open in 2014, the West Chester based plant will be an architectural marvel. It includes a research and design lab, cutting-edge manufacturing facilities, helipad and on-site amenities including temporary housing for relocation candidates, fitness center, and cafeteria for first, second, and third shifts employees. In turn, the new building will supply the area with forty new positions ranging from machine technician to mid-level manufacturing engineer and entry level mechanical engineers. Candidates interested in applying should visit company’s career page on www.aceroprecision.com.

PA PROUD

June, 2013

GIANT Food Stores: A 90-year tradition of living and giving in local communities

or the past 90 years, GIANT Food Stores has been known for being a great place to work, a great place to shop, and a great neighbor.

GIANT’s motto, “Living Here, Giving Here” defines the company’s commitment to giving back to local communities. In 2012, GIANT made charitable donations totaling more than $25 million in combined cash and product donations – concentrated towards improving the well-being of children and fighting hunger. These significant contributions could not have been achieved without the support and enthusiasm of GIANT associates, customers, and vendor partners. In addition to supporting local organizations through monetary and product donations, associates passionately donate their time by volunteering at events and community activities year after year. “We are an integral part of the local communities where we operate and we have a responsibility to care for others and to be there for our associates and the communities we serve at the worst and best of times,” said Rick Herring, president. “Our associates are viewed as the greatest ambassadors to our communities and because of their overwhelming enthusiasm and passion, GIANT continues to be a good corporate citizen across all of the markets where we operate. We are truly blessed with great associates and customers who work together to lend a hand to those in need.” Being in the food industry, the fight against hunger is an effort in which GIANT can and does make a very big difference. The company supports nearly 100 regional food banks and local pantries across the four states in which it operates, including Philabundance, with product and monetary donations. Over the years, GIANT has raised millions of dollars and donated thousands of pounds of product for hunger relief in local com-

munities. Held twice a year, the company’s signature Bag Hunger in-store campaign brings customers and associates together to donate to their local food bank and raised more than $1.25 million in 2012. Recognizing that protein is most in need by hungry families, GIANT launched its innovative Meat the Needs program to further aid hunger relief efforts. The grocer freezes meat that would otherwise go unsold and donates it to regional food banks. Other food donation programs are also in place providing bakery items from stores to local pantries and soup kitchens. During the holidays, GIANT gives turkeys to families who would not otherwise be able to afford a holiday meal. GIANT is also focused on helping children and has been a proud supporter of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals for 17 years, recently eclipsing the $30 million fundraising mark. These children’s hospitals, which include Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, provide the finest medical care, life-saving research and preventative education to help millions of kids overcome diseases and injuries. During the holiday season, GIANT sells paper candles for $1 at the register through the Candles for Kids program and sponsors a similar program in June with paper balloons. Associates also regularly volunteer at CMN hospital events, including radio and television telethons, and have helped GIANT become one of the Top 10 fundraisers for CMN in the country. Through GIANT’s A+ School Rewards program, customers can help their local schools earn cash for technology, scholarship programs, summer programs, field trips, playgrounds, and

GIANT President Rick Herring, center, accepts the Golden Grocer Award from Yvette Jackson, Mid-Atlantic director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The award was given in recognition of GIANT’s successful operation of SNAP. With them, at right, is Kendall Hanna, executive director of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, which nominated GIANT for the award. other educational needs all by shopping with a BonusCard. Since the A+ program launched in 2005, more than $16 million has been donated to hundreds of local schools throughout participating markets. While the fight against hunger and improving the quality of life for its communities’ youngest residents remain GIANT core philanthropic missions, the company also supports men and women in the Armed Forces through its annual Support Our Troops in-store campaign which benefits regional USOs such as the USO of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey, and the Wounded Warrior Project. USOs are dedicated to programs that build morale and keep soldiers connected

to their families. The Wounded Warriors Project enlists the public’s aid for the needs of severely injured service members, helps severely injured men and women aid and assists each other, and provides unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. Since the campaign’s inception, GIANT customers have donated more than $1.5 million to the cause. GIANT is proud of its 90 year legacy of being a better neighbor to the communities it serves. “You can count on GIANT to remain part of the fabric of our local communities and we will continue our strong commitment to local causes supporting hunger relief and improving the lives of children,” concluded Herring.

June, 2013

PA PROUD

June, 2013

Making the world better, one client at a time The story of Martin LLC

any law firms go to great lengths to communicate strength, experience or size in order to gain clients.

Nearly 35 years ago, a firm that began in Philadelphia can certainly boast those qualities, but simply prides itself on one thing: the value of one individual person. A person who can walk away from a problem with their head held high, knowing their rights were protected. A person who can return to everyday life with a security they feared was lost forever. That firm has embraced this vision from the beginning. And it all started, ironically, with the founder getting fired. In 1979, George Martin, a young attorney and single parent, was fired from a law firm for leaving work one day to catch a train to pick up his 2 young children from daycare. While it was easy for him to land office space, it was not as easy to land new cases. However, friends in the legal community came through with work. Although the cases he got workers comp - were considered “duds” because of the low fees generated. But it was work. And, for an attorney who was involved in the political campaigns of 1968 and the anti-war movement, and whose dream had been to become an environmental lawyer, the idea of helping the underdog – injured workers – was also an opportunity to change the world in his own way. The first couple of years were a bit of a struggle, as Martin often worked for free when he thought the client was in worse financial shape than himself, but his work attracted attention. And more clients. And more attorneys and staff. From the late 1980s through the 1990s, the practice grew with various attorneys coming and going and the name reflecting many of those lineups Martin and Corbman; Martin and Clemens; Martin Clemens and Hampton; Martin Banks. And the firm became known throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Workers’ Comp powerhouse. And not just for its work on behalf of workers but also because the attorneys were thought leaders. They were attorneys who held leadership positions in professional associations and worked to change the law to improve the rights of injured workers. The firm has added the practice of Social Security Disability, Long-Term Disability and Veterans’ Benefits to complement their practice of helping those who can’t help themselves. And to

this day, Martin LLC partners, George Martin, Matt Wilson, Joe Huttemann, Al Carlson and John Dogum, remain authors, teachers and leaders on the subject. They are grooming the future of the practice with their 8 associate attorneys and their staff has grown to more than sixty with a client base as strong as ever.

attorneys coming and going, rather it should always be on the firm’s work to help people. They knew that the vision of George Martin when establishing and growing the firm was simple: help Pennsylvania’s injured and disabled workers. The attorneys then selected a name that is as timeless, simple and strong as that vision: Martin LLC.

Also strong is the firm’s commitment to charitable causes. Blood drives, food drives, marathons, walks, and other community causes are a weekly occurrence at the firm. The “George and Miriam Martin Foundation,” founded in 1996 by George Martin, has given more than $3 million to environmental causes. Most recently, the firm made a decision to change their name once and for all.

Because as large and successful as the firm has become, the attorneys know that it is about just one person: the client. A client who finds him or herself in a jam, responsible for providing for a family but faced with a difficult challenge in trying to actually perform the work to do so. Just like Martin did, so many years ago. Except he is now one of the people extending a helping hand.

Reasoning that since law firms (including their own) often change names when attorneys join or leave, they never again wanted the focus to be on the

“What we do,” says Martin, “makes a difference in people’s lives. That, above all things, is my driving passion.”

PA PROUD

June, 2013

Southern Company Repairing, refinishing and restrapping outdoor furniture

here is no need to buy new outdoor furniture these days when your quality old furniture is still structurally sound. Some people are really attached to that old chaise lounge or cozy armchair on the patio. Why give it up? It can easily be refurbished for a fraction of the cost of new furniture.

The Southern Company, whose name conjures up images of warm weather travel and pleasant climates has been repairing, refinishing and restrapping faded discolored outdoor furniture for more than 27 years. Anyone thinking of replacing their older patio chairs and tables is generally shocked at today’s retail prices, even with discounts figured in. With customers ranging from Connecticut to Virginia, The Southern Company is the largest firm in the county specializing in refurbishing outdoor furniture. Each year the company, with 25 employees, refurbished thousands of pieces not only for homeowner but also for hotels, country clubs, resorts and condominiums. Southern even does the warranty work for most major manufactures. To make worn but good quality furniture look as good as new requires a fourstep process. First, they cut away the old vinyl and mesh slings. Second and most important, the pieces are completely sandblasted down to the bare metal to remove the old paint. Next each piece is powder coated electrostatic alloy (which allow it to withstand knocks and abrasions and to ward off the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays) before the frames are baked in a batch oven to cure the powder immediately. Finally, the straps and/or mesh

slings are cut to order and stretched on the frame for proper elasticity, support and comfort. Customers are also invited to match the company’s color samples to the color of their own paint. They have a dozen colors that match BrownJordan’s perfectly and twenty colors from other companies. Pick and delivery are available to all customers. Customers invariably credit the company for making their furniture look as good as, if not better than new at a price they can easily afford. For more information and color samples contact The Southern Company 215-659-8929.

PA PROUD

June, 2013

Locally Brewed. Locally Loved. Victory Brewing Company Expansion Continues

hen Victory Brewing Company opened its doors in Downingtown, Pa., 17 years ago, a new chapter in the story that began back in 1973 — when Co-Founders Ron Barchet and Bill Covaleski met as fifth-graders on a school bus — began to unfold. Today, thanks to Victory’s loyal and thirsty fans, that story continues to develop, as Philly Beer Victory Brewing Co. Scene Magazine’s 2013 Best Brewery prepares to 420 Acorn Lane open a second, state-of-the-art brewery in ParkesDowningtown, PA burg, Pa., this fall. 610-873-0881 “Parkesburg will essentially double our production capabilities, opening exciting doors for us,” said Covaleski. “Our roots run deep in Chester County and more than a third of our sales are generated in Pennsylvania, but we’re building for success now and into the future with plans to expand our distribution and brewpub footprints.” Victory is the 26th largest craft brewery in the country, and sold in 29 states and Washington, DC. Visit www.victorybeer.com to learn more.

File photo by Mark C. Psoras

Ken O’Bryne, right, gets into the spirit of the event with his beer-keg hat as he pours samples of brew during the Lansdale Beer Tasting Festival on Saturday, June 23, 2012.

BREWS From D2

Tea is second only to water in consumption around the world, and beer may or may not be in third place, but it doesn’t really matter, since whole leaf black tea and beer merge into one satisfying beverage in Prism’s ParTea Pale Ale. The unique brew adds “a subtle tea flavor and aroma,” according to DeMaria. “A refreshing and dry mouth feel give this beer a smooth finish and a unique bitterness. An incredible amount of tea goes into this beer -- so much so our brewers have a tough time getting the whole leaf tea out when done (picture the tea party men tossing chests of tea overboard). We named it because the flavors seen to dance on your tongue and they party all night.”

It was out with the unbleached white flour and sugar and in with the hops when Victory Brewing Company got its start in a former Pepperidge Farm Bakery in Downingtown. According to company lore, the brewery’s initial production gave birth to Victory Festbier, Brandywine Valley Lager (now Victory Lager), and HopDevil Ale. Initially, owners Ron Barchet and Bill Covaleskiy predicted that the malt Victory Festbier would rise above the rest in popularity, but they ultimately concluded that their customers wanted “hoppier” beers, such as the HopDevil Ale, which is now among the company’s beers that are distributed in more than 25 states. One of Pennsylania’s youngest breweries is Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company in Croydon. Among the one-yearold microbrewery’s signa-

ture brews is Trauger Pilsner, named in honor of the Trauger family of Bucks County, who were among the earliest German immigrants to the area in 1747. The beer is described as being “assertively hopped with Hallertau and Tettnanger noble hops,” with a “cracker-like malt backbone that finishes crisp and dry, which makes this one highly drinkable.” To head brewer Jeremy Myers, beer is as much an art form as a science, “but at the end of the day it’s simply four basic ingredients and how you use them that make all the difference. My favorite beer styles are mainly German styles like Pilsners, Hefeweizens, Kölsch, and Weizenbocks, but I’d be a liar if i didn’t say that I can be a hop head from time to time and didn’t appreciate a well brewed Belgian Tripel or Golden Strong.”

June, 2013

PA PROUD

Global Outreach AR is your one source for RF/Microwave bench top and rack mounted broadband power amplifiers, amplifier modules, complete EMC test systems, EMI receivers, military communications booster amplifiers and more. Our global company consists of AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation, AR Modular RF, AR Receiver Systems and AR Europe. The parent company AR, located in Souderton, Pa., houses our largest division, AR RF/microwave Instrumentation. This division manufactures the following products that meet the vast range of international EMC and wireless telecommunication standards. • • • • • • •

RF Power Amplifiers, 1 – 50,000 watts, dc – 1 GHz Microwave Amplifiers, 1 – 10,000 watts, 0.8 – 45 GHz Hybrid Power Modules, 1-6 & 4 – 18 GHz and custom design RF Conducted Immunity Test Systems Radiated Immunity Test Systems EMC Test Software EMC and RF Test Accessories

The AR Modular RF division located in Bothel, Washington designs and delivers sophisticated modular amplifiers and systems for military communications, homeland security, medical, and EW markets. The AR Receiver Systems group provides the fastest precision EMI receivers and associated accessories to date. The AR Europe group provides the ultimate in sales and service to the European community. AR is also helping to inspire and educate the engineers of future through participation in and support of youth science organizations. AR sponsors Cybersonics - Palisades High School’s robotics program, A FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) member, Cybersonics creates a robot capable of playing a “universal game” each year. Some of our AR engineers mentor the team in their engineering efforts. As part of AR’s community outreach, the company donates to the Souderton Area Community Scholarship Fund, Harleysville Jaycees County Fair Days, Indian Valley Public Library, and much more. AR started in Pennsylvania more than 43 years ago. Today AR is an international company with offices throughout Europe and sales all over the world. AR is proud of the reputation they’ve earned, proud of its growth and proud to be based right here in Pennsylvania.

PA PROUD

June, 2013

Pergolas, pavilions and paving add up to paradise l By Charles Gamarekian

hanks to a completely new crop of outdoor living conveniences, homeowners now crave all the comforts of indoor spaces — only outdoors. Today’s diverse lifestyles dictate what families want to add to patio plans. Among these are open air-kitchens, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits and what are commonly referred to as “outdoor rooms”. One factor that can easily raise the budget is the cost connected with installation, especially where quality, as it should be, is of paramount importance. As a manufacturer in the concrete pavingstone and wall systems industry, I have always helped do-it-yourselfer, landscape designers and professional contractors to address current trends in outdoor living and to turn “wish lists” into reality. Cambridge Pavingstones with Armortec and Cambridge Wallstones offer a comprehensive line of products for outdoor lifestyles that combine unmistaken quality, natural beauty and value with design versatility. However we at Cambridge have eased the design/build factor with all inclusive, pre-packaged design kits on our entire line of outdoor living products. For example, our fire pit kits are ready to install. models are complete with grates for grilling,

optional fire screens and galvanized, stainless steel covers while the outdoor fireplaces have dimensional cast stone surround options in a choice of colors. There is even an L-shaped open air kitchen kit with a stainless steel appliance package and a decorator inspired, granite countertop included. More adventurous cooking enthusiasts can opt for a Cambridge Outdoor Pizza Oven Kit that also bakes bread and roasts veggies with an Old World, brick oven flavor derived from authentic wood-fired oven. Choose a pre-packaged Cambridge Patio Pub & Bistro Table for seating an gathering and/or a Grill and Bar Module Kit for food preparation, all with tops in matching granite. A pergola is typically an open-sided, garden structure that consists of pillars that support a partially open roof structure. In contrast, a patio pavilion also has open sides but a closed roof. Both can convert an open patio into sheltered outdoor room. Columns (pillars) can be anchored into the pavement or set on columns (pedestals) a few feet above ground level. If getting involved with building these kinds of structures seems to be a bit intimidating, Cambridge offers both pergolas and pavilions also in prepackaged kits. The structures are set on Cambridge wallstone columns (sold separately). For added convenience, a pre-packaged column kit is available in a variety of color options.

Pre-cut and pre-packaged kits help professionals give you competitive pricing by reducing time and labor costs so you can be ready for greater outdoor living experience this season. For more outdoor living ideas and the nearest distributor, visit Cambridge online at www.cambridgepavers.com. If you have any questions whatsoever, you can email Charles Gamarekian, at Cambridge@cambridgepavers.com Charles Gamarekian is the Chairman/CEO of Cambridge Pavers Inc, manufacturers of Cambridge Pavingstones with ArmorTec, Cambridge Wallstones and a full line of products for outdoor living. He is one of the founders and current board member of the Interlocking Pavement Institute. Organized in 1993, ICPI is the North American trade association representing the interlocking concrete paver industry and considered by peer associations around the world as the leader in development and dissemination of technical information for design professionals and contractors. Mr. Gamarekian is recognized worldwide as an expert in his field and is a frequent speaker on the proper installation of paving stones, wallstones and many outdoor living products. For more information visit Nyce Crete & Landis Block & Concrete at 711 County Line Road at Chestnut Street, Souderton, PA 18964 (215) 723-5506 www.landisbc.com.

June, 2013

PA PROUD

June, 2013