Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership | ERIE Magazine - April 2009

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E r i e R e g i o n a l C h a m b e r a n d G r o w t h P a r t n e r s h i p M a g a z i n e w w w . E r i e PA . c o m A p r i l 2 0 0 9

Celebration of Excellence

Leadership Through the Years

Special Edition

Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Par tnership Magazine

w w w . E r i e PA . c o m

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[contents April 2009

President’s Perspective....................... 2 Welcome New Members.................... 3 2009 Celebration of Excellence Winner: American Tinning and Galvanizing.........................................4-5 2009 Celebration of Excellence Winner: Burton Funeral Homes.................... 6-7 Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership Mission Statement Leadership to attract, retain and expand business.

Board of Directors

Gregory S. Baldwin Jr. Peter Balmert John J. Barber John C. Bloomstine C. Angela Bontempo Dr. Jack D. Burke Kurt F. Buseck Carl M. Carlotti Terrence W. Cavanaugh Rosanne Cheeseman Gary L. Clark Joel Deuterman Harvey E. Downey Mary L. Eckert Dr. Antoine M. Garibaldi Thomas C. Hoffman Thomas Kennedy Leonard Kosar John P. Leemhuis, Jr

John T. Malone James E. Martin James W. Martin Michael P. Martin Char Mashyna Marlene D. Mosco James R. Napier James Rutkowski Jr. James A. Schaffner Matthew Schultz Timothy G. Shuttleworth Ronald A. Steele Noreen A. Stegkamper David M. Tullio Russell S. Warner Michael Weber Thomas J. Wedzik Matt Wiertel

Above: The Chamber’s Erie Ambassadors hosted Get Involved! Erie last month to link longtime residents, newcomers and students in the area with community organizations and involvement opportunities. More than 65 professional, social, recreational and nonprofit organizations participated and shared ways area residents can get involved in their community.

2009 Celebration of Excellence Winner: Marquette Savings Bank ............10-11 2009 Louis J. Tullio Award Winner: Dr. Jack Burke........................................14 Generation-E Leadership Award Winners..............................19-25 2009 Golf Outing Announced.......25

President/CEO Jim Dible

Vice President, Chamber Claudia Thornburg

Vice President, Economic Development

Athena PowerLink Year of Free Professional Advice ...........................27

Jacob A. Rouch

Vice President, Growth Partnership Mary Bula

Editor

Matthew Cummings

Contributing Writers Diane Chido Allison Counasse Jennifer Duda

Design

Tungsten Creative Group

For Advertising Information

Julie Graff, Sales Executive 814.454.7191; jgraff@eriepa.com

Staff

Matthew Cummings, Dir. of Marketing & Communications Sara Galbreath, Sales Executive Julie B. Graff, Sales Executive Melanie A. Johnson, Business Retention & Expansion Program Manager Doug M. Massey, Workforce Development Coordinator-Training Ashley Pelletier, Workforce Development Coordinator-Recruitment Cathy Noble, Events Coordinator Michael Pistone, Research Coordinator Linda Robbins, Accountant Susan M. Ronto, Membership Coordinator Doreen E. Sanfratello, Receptionist t GBY t XXX &SJF1" DPN &BTU #BZGSPOU 1BSLXBZ 4VJUF t &SJF 1"

On the Cover: On September 10, 1813, Oliver Hazard Perry’s fleet defended against an attacking British fleet at the Battle of Lake Erie. Perry’s flagship, the Lawrence, was destroyed in the encounter and Perry was rowed a half-mile through heavy gunfire to transfer command to the Niagara, carrying his battle flag “Don’t Give Up the Ship.� As we present our 2009 Celebration of Excellence Special Edition, the flag serves as a reminder to all of us doing business in this difficult economic time. Cover photo taken from a postcard courtesy of James Gornall.

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[perspective president’s

Reading through all the “Celebration of Excellence” stories in this edition of ERIE Magazine sent me to my bookshelves to retrieve two books that had a significant impact on my career. Tom Peters co-authored “In Search of Excellence” in 1982. It became the most yellow-highlighted book I had ever read on organizational excellence. That is until he co-authored “A Passion for Excellence” in 1985. I had been reading with great interest about the history of excellence represented by Marquette Savings Bank, American Tinning & Galvanizing and Burton Funeral Homes. Then it was reading about the current excellence of Tullio Award winner Dr. Jack Burke. Then it was on to the excellence of Athena PowerLink companies Naturally Yours, General Exterminating, Moore Research and Keystone Research. And finally I read about the current and future excellence of the 12 Generation-E Award winners being presented at another upcoming event by our friends and partners in Young Erie Professionals. There they will honor Alyson Amendola, Tony Bruno, Rob Celeski, Matthew Cummings, Jodie Gloekler, Kevin-John Jobczynski, John C. Lyons, Brad Moore, Christine Pennsy, Mayor Joseph E. Sinnott, Esq., Shelly Walker and Beth Zimmer.

Not a chance. Every person and company being celebrated recognizes that commitment produces results. Here’s some of what Tom Peters wrote 25 years ago that for me defines what we will be celebrating on April 16: “Three key areas determine long-term excellence: Superior service to customers, constant innovation (doing) and constant creativity (thinking).” “It’s hanging in long after others have gotten bored or given up; it’s refusing to leave well enough alone; it means that anything less than the best you can imagine really bothers you, maybe keeps you awake at night.”

The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership is proud to be presenting the “Celebration of Excellence” event at the Bayfront Convention Center on Thursday, April 16.

How do you know excellence when you see it? How do we know those being honored on April 16th fit the bill? I’ve been around many of them, and I’ll quote Peters again to let you know how I know these folks are the real deal:

But how do you define the excellence we will be celebrating? Marquette, American Tinning and Galvanzing and Burton didn’t last the combined 312 years they have been in existence with a motto that said, “We are no worse than anyone else.”

“One must be around that which works, which sings, which has rhythm, which has passion, before one can understand just how broad the gulf is between not the winners and losers (that’s defeatist talk) but things that are humming and things that aren’t.”

Nor did Jack Burke become the excellent leader at Penn State Behrend over the past 28 years and in the community by deciding he’d do just enough to get along.

What those being honored have done, do today and will do in the future works. It sings. It has rhythm. It has passion. And the Erie region benefits greatly as a result. I look forward to seeing you at the “Celebration of Excellence” when we can thank them, and in the process have an evening devoted to celebrating what makes this such a great place.

Nor did the women-owned Athena PowerLink® companies become successful by giving up when faced with challenges in growing their businesses.

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Nor have the dozen Gen-E Award winners grown and positioned themselves for future successes by being afraid to take risks or assume leadership responsibilities.

[welcome new members

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Romolo Chocolates

Alzheimer’s Association

Nelson’s

Tavern with fine dining and live entertainment. Food is fresh, drinks are ice cold, ambience exceptional, and the entertainment is world class. Mr. Robert Nelson 4UBUF 4USFFU &SJF 1" Twelve O’ One Restaurant Independently owned and operated, features contemporary Time Warner Cable Maaco Auto Painting American food, warm Media Sales & Body Works hospitality and service in the Cable TV sales. A progressive auto body and Mr. Larry Luba paint shop to meet every budget. heart of downtown Erie. Mr. J.B. Innes 'JMNPSF "WFOVF Mr. Travis Grieco 4UBUF 4USFFU &SJF 1" 8FTU UI 4USFFU &SJF 1" &SJF 1" A family of third and fourth generation chocolatiers making artisan confections and baked goods and showcasing Grandpa Romolo’s famous sponge candy. Mr. Anthony Stefanelli 8FTU UI 4USFFU &SJF 1"

Carpeting and Furnishings by Bob

Retail floor covering store, plus furniture on a smaller scale. Mr. Bob Dabrowski &BTU UI 4USFFU &SJF 1"

Gary Miller Dodge Mazda

Dodge and Mazda new and pre-owned cars and trucks. #1 rated body shop and collision repair service and parts for all vehicle makes. Mr. Carter L. Doolittle 1FBDI 4USFFU &SJF 1"

Agresti & Agresti

Legal Services. Mr. Charles D. Agresti, Esq. 4934 Peach Street &SJF 1"

Education, support groups, and advocacy for Alzheimer’s families. Ms. Kristen Bires 4UBUF 4USFFU 4VJUF &SJF 1"

If you know a business that may be interested in our membership services and benefits, please contact Sara Galbreath, sales executive, at (814) 454-7191 or sgalbreath@eriepa.com.

George’s Restaurant

Procurex, Inc.

Procurex provides expert purchasing services to business clients. Assists organizations in improving their purchasing processes, getting better performance from their supply base and adopting best practices in competitive bidding. Ms. Krystal Petrucci Renassaince Centre 4UBUF 4USFFU 4VJUF &SJF 1"

The Chautauqua Institution

Center for the arts, education, religion, and recreation. Mr. Thomas Becker 1 0 #PY $IBVUBVRVB /:

Erie’s oldest restaurant established 1926. Family-style dining with daily specials such as pierogies, stuffed cabbage, chicken ‘n biscuits and our famous Cajun crab bisque. Ms. Kathleen D. Dey (MFOXPPE 1BSL "WFOVF &SJF 1"

Paramount Lists, Inc.

Locally owned and operated for over 27 years, we provide stateof-the-art direct marketing services and solutions, including postal, telemarketing and e-mail campaigns. We make marketing easier for you. Ms. Kristin Genovese 1FBDI 4USFFU &SJF 1" (814) 453-8787

April 23, 2009 Read To Rebound &BTU #BZGSPOU 1BSLXBZ (Intermodal Transportation Center) 5 - 7 p.m.

Reservations required name tags will be provided.

May 14, 2009 The Hite Company 8FTU UI 4USFFU 5 - 7 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you at these networking events for Chamber members. Please RSVP to the Erie Regional Chamber at (814) 454-7191 or cnoble@eriepa.com.

Paul Lorei Photography We create warm and natural portraits of families, children and individuals in the studio, on location and at the beach. Mr. Paul M. Lorei 4QJSFT %SJWF &SJF 1"

Konkol Welding & Fab

Fully certified shop and portable welding service family owned and operated. Specializing in all welding forms with all materials. Also fabricate railings, fencing and custom gates. Mr. Rich Konkol, Jr. 4BNQTPO 3PBE 8BUFSGPSE 1" (814) 873-5957

Card Heating & Air Conditioning Services Inc.

Manufactures medical equipment, focusing on surgical lights, surgical tables, equipment management systems and video integration. Mr. Harry Card 5335 Heidler Road 'BJSWJFX 1"

Fed Ex Ground

Small package delivery. Mr. Matthew Maximovich 8FTU UI 4USFFU &SJF 1"

June 11, 2009 Erie SeaWolves Jerry Uht Park &BTU UI 4USFFU 5 - 7 p.m.

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2009 Celebration of Excellence Winner

American Tinning & Galvanizing: By Diane Chido

Commitment. This is the word that comes up most frequently when American Tinning and Galvanizing’s (ATG) Managing Owner Robin Scheppner describes the company’s success. A commitment to her customers that they will receive the highest quality products and the best service. A commitment to her staff that they will continue to work together for shared prosperity. A commitment from the Chamber, the City, the County, the Northwest Commission, and the State that they would support ATG through the tough times. A commitment to honor that support by nearly EPVCMJOH JUT MPDBM XPSLGPSDF JO POMZ UISFF ZFBST GSPN UP 78 employees.

“We realized that it was up to each individual employee to improve their skills and attitude, but we also had to give them the tools they needed to succeed. So we made the investment in infrastructure and it has really paid off.�

When Fred Carlson started his tinning company in

—Jacqueline “Robin� Scheppner

PO UIF DPSOFS PG UI BOE $IFSSZ 4USFFUT IF IBE POF employee. The demands of World War II allowed him to

NBOBHFNFOU BOE ZFBST BT B NJEEMF TDIPPM UFBDIFS TIF committed herself to renewing the company and its culture, finding that both past careers had helped prepare her to deal with the challenges she would find at ATG.

In order to enhance the company’s bottom line, Robin sought the advice of other local executives and found mentors through the local chapter of SCORE, who helped develop plans and goals. She realized that the most important objective was to improve the company’s reputation for customer service. ATG had always been known for quality, but the interaction with customers and necessary follow-through was lacking. Learning from the global outsourcing that so negatively

expand his metal finishing capabilities and bring on board his brother, Harry. In 1955, Carlson’s son-in-law, Jack Scheppner helped establish a second company, Carlson Erie Corp. to manufacture tanks and fixtures for the metal finishing industry. At Mr. Carlson’s death in 1978, Scheppner became CEO of both companies and turned over the reins to his daughter, ,BUIMFFO JO UIF MBUF T 8IFO TIF SFUJSFE JO IFS TJTUFS 3PCJO CFDBNF WJDF QSFTJEFOU and managing owner. By her own admission, Robin had a comfortable life in Naples, Fla., and was not planning a SFUVSO UP &SJF JO CVU XIFO CVTJOFTT JT family, it is a matter of duty. She arrived to find a company suffering from declining morale and the effects of globalization with its largest customers having relocated overseas. Relying on her years of experience in construction project

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affected the firm in the past, Robin has actively sought to diversify ATG’s service lines and markets. She invested in new machinery and upgraded processes to the point where

Steeled for a Bright Future ATG is now Nadcap accredited, which allows her to serve UIF BFSPTQBDF JOEVTUSZ *O "5( XBT SFDPHOJ[FE by Nadcap “with merit� for its chemical processing systems, a very unusual achievement in only three years. Jim Rutkowski Jr., general manager of Industrial Sales & Manufacturing has noted that, “It has been great to see American Tinning and Galvanizing get back to its roots with Messers Carlson and Scheppner’s high standard of excellence. We have been partners with "5( GPS PWFS ZFBST BOE MPPL GPSXBSE UP DPOUJOVJOH UP work together into the future.�

In 2008, ATG expanded its in-house water treatment system, initiated a comprehensive recycling program and replaced its entire lighting system with high efficiency technology, demonstrating its commitment to go “greener.� Today, American Tinning & Galvanizing Company operates IPVST B EBZ › EBZT B XFFL PO UIF TBNF DPSOFS JU IBT occupied for more than 75 years. The company has seen a QFSDFOU JODSFBTF JO TBMFT FWFSZ ZFBS TJODF Bob Westgate, quality control for Accutech Precision Machine, says, “ATG has excellent customer service. We demand a lot from them and they always deliver. Almost weekly, they help us out of binds. Their knowledgeable staff is very helpful and always has good answers even to our most complicated and specialized questions.� Robin believes that the Erie Regional Chamber honored its commitment to her company through a relationship UIBU CFHBO JO BOE JT HSBUFGVM for the support she received from the community and strives to keep her own commitment in return. She insists that, as much as possible, ATG “hires locally and buys locally.� The company as a whole contributes to a number of local causes including the United Way and the $JUZ .JTTJPO 5IFJS BOOVBM i %SJWFw is now underway, as ATG is known for JUT BEESFTT UIF TUBGG DPMMFDUT JUFNT they donate to “Help the Homeless Week� each year. Commitment is a key to success we can all identify and implement in our own business.

Celebration of Excellence We salute you!

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2009 Celebration of Excellence Winner

Burton Funeral Homes’ History By Diane Chido

Peter Burton and Karen Burton Horstman are very proud to be the fifth generation of Burtons serving the community and carrying on a tradition of providing caring, quality service to Erie’s families for over 135 years. The Burton family history is fully entwined with events that shaped Erie as their ancestor, David Burton, arrived in Erie in 1811 to help build Perry’s fleet for the War of 1812. One of his ten children, A.P. Burton, founded Burton Funeral Home in 1876. A.P.’s sons, Harry and Ramsay Burton, relocated the firm to 352 West 8th Street where it was well known for many years. Donald C. Burton, the third generation, developed policies based on high standards and integrity and created varied services that still guide the firm today. The fourth generation is represented by G. David Burton who became president at the death of his father in 1964 and remains dedicated to carrying on the tradition of his forefathers. Of course, it is a given that treating customers right is the cornerstone for any service business, but this is even more true in the funeral industry. For the Burtons, it is the prime directive. They have worked over the years to offer state-ofthe-art, yet attractive and homelike, facilities. They employ a top-notch staff, some straight out of school, but many with life experience that makes them well-equipped to understand what grieving families are going through and help them in just the right way.

It is an interesting, if macabre, fact that Erie County sees about 2,600 deaths per year and this trend has held for the past 100 years. With 26 funeral homes in the area, three of them having more than one location, competition is tough. As wages, health care costs, and regulatory compliance increase the costs of doing business, the Burtons expect to see some consolidation or reduction in the number of funeral homes over the next several years. “Erie is fortunate in that Pennsylvania strictly regulates who can own and operate a funeral home. Many other states find themselves overrun by large conglomerates, but here we have many families like ours with long traditions of serving their neighbors in the community,” says Peter Burton. Even as church becomes less the center of life for many, ethnic and cultural ties are binding for funerals, which could have made it difficult for the Burtons to maintain their market share, as they are not associated with a particular ethnic or religious group in Erie. The Burtons set themselves apart, however, through innovation and anticipation of their clients’ needs, and pride themselves on serving all faiths with a varied menu of services. They are a big part of the communities of Erie, Fairview, Girard, and Millcreek. The Burtons keep up with national and international trends and research markets in other regions so that with their four funeral homes, crematory, and Ericson Memorials, they are able to provide every possible service to their customers. For instance, they have noted an increasing preference for cremation in the past few years, and have built a peaceful and aesthetic cremation garden adjacent to their funeral home at Wintergreen Gorge. This park setting has walking

“Peter had spent time with our dad at the funeral home from such a young age that he never planned to do anything else. I went away thinking I might find something better. Now that I am back home and working in the family business, I don’t want to do anything else. There is a lot of fulfillment working in this community and with my family.” ­—Karen Burton Horstman

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is Erie’s History paths, benches, and a natural pond with a fountain and numerous types of niches for placing cremated remains of loved ones. Another area in which the Burtons have seen growth is pet loss services. Not only do they provide cremation services directly for pet owners, they have partnered with a number of local veterinary hospitals, as their on-site crematory enables them to return the ashes within a day, rather than the several weeks long waiting period incurred with some providers. They offer a great variety of urns, and have a special room for pet services at their 10th and Cherry and Ericson Memorials, 26th & Powell Avenue, locations. When Pam Gentile lost her beloved cat, TC, she wanted to bury him at home. The ground was frozen, and she didn’t know what to do. “I found Burtons in the phone book. They were so thoughtful, and their prices were so reasonable. They came at my convenience, performed a lovely graveside service, and even did the digging in my backyard! It truly felt like having family around at this difficult time, especially when they called me a week later to see how I was doing.”

With four locations in the area, all of which are designed to be convenient and accessible, the Burtons believe their secret to success is their flexibility. Karen Burton notes, “We seek suggestions for improvement from our customers as well as the community. We are willing to listen and are open for change.” With their exceptional staff, facilities, and equipment, the Burtons always try to offer the best help to families through a tough time in their lives by taking care of every family’s unique needs.

Burton Funeral Homes has been actively involved with the Erie Regional Chamber since they joined in 1950. They have benefitted from informational visits from Chamber staff who have pointed them toward valuable resources such as the Gannon Small Business Development Center, which provided advice on a new logo, managing press releases, and has made contacts on their behalf.

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When trying economic times touch our hometowns, Marquette Savings Bank lends a hand. In 2008, Marquette contributed $231,813 to nearly 250 organizations, helping our communities and touching thousands of lives.

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2009 Celebration of Excellence Winner

Hometown Touch is a Home Run By Diane Chido

Proof of the “hometown touch� is calling Marquette’s main number and getting a real, live person every time! Marquette began with a group of local businessmen who realized that there was a need in the community for a lending institution that would assist “the common man� in purchasing and improving their IPNFT 0O .BZ UIF governor of Pennsylvania approved the institution under the name Marquette Building

and Loan Association with assets PG NJMMJPO #VTJOFTT USBOTBDUJPOT XFSF initially held at various locations along State Street in downtown Erie for a twohour period on Tuesday evenings. From +PIO + .FBE 4S XBT QSFTJEFOU until his death in 1941. At that time, the association began daily transactions from a small office area with two desks and a counter in the newly constructed Erie %BJMZ 5JNFT #VJMEJOH BU 8FTU UI 4USFFU 10

As business increased, new headquarters were rented JO "QSJM BU 1FBDI 4USFFU 4JY ZFBST MBUFS UIF association was able to initiate the purchase of the building where the main office has been located ever since. In 1951, the association became a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System and the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance $PSQPSBUJPO #Z UIF BTTPDJBUJPO T UI BOOJWFSTBSZ JO JUT BTTFUT IBE SFBDIFE NJMMJPO *O UIF GJSTU PG five regional branch offices opened in Meadville, and the following year another opened in Erie’s Liberty Plaza. In 1971, the name changed again to Marquette Savings Association and in 1993, a new charter was granted to better serve Erie-area customers, and the name was changed to Marquette Savings Bank. Today, Marquette has 77 employees in nine locations serving Erie and Crawford Counties. Assets are OPX NJMMJPO BOE UIFZ remain for use exclusively in the local community. In terms of the current financial crisis, CEO Michael Edwards says, “Our conservative management philosophy has allowed us to weather a number of storms over the years, including UIF 4BWJOHT -PBO $SJTJT PG UIF T which swallowed up a great many other community banks through acquisition or dissolution. We are well positioned for the DVSSFOU DSJTJT BT PVS DBQJUBM MFWFMT BSF percent higher than what FDIC requires for a ‘well-capitalized’ bank.�

for Marquette Savings Bank James Ruff, a Marquette mortgage customer and a former Pennsylvania State Trooper says the best word he can think of to describe the bank is “solid,” a particularly valuable endorsement in this age of financial collapse. Ruff has found his mortgage representative to be “very accommodating and willing to give freely of her time, making everything as easy as possible and never giving the impression that she is doing you a favor.”

“Our Board is made up of local leaders, who have grown up here and do business here. They make decisions based on their understanding of local needs and local demand.” —Michael Edwards, Marquette Savings Bank CEO

Here to Serve the Local Community Marquette has benefitted over the years from its local investments. Edwards notes, “The local community has been very good for us and has embraced us. We are now twice the size of the average community bank and one of only a few still standing in the region.” Jerry Laughlin, a partner in Laughlin Builders LLC, says, “We have dealt with Marquette for many years, as we are involved in the home building and renovation business, and they have always been wonderful to work with. It is nice to deal directly with local people at a local bank and we feel proud to keep using them.” Marquette has always been a staunch supporter of nonprofits in our communities, particularly those dedicated to housing-related and education issues, in keeping with its original mission. Last year the institution donated nearly $240,000 and has donated $1.7 million since 2000 alone. Sr. Mary Herrmann, executive director of the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network says, “Marquette has consistently supported our efforts in the revitalization plans for the Little Italy Neighborhood. They have committed partial funding toward the position of the Little Italy neighborhood manager, which we see as critical

for the implementation of the long-range study plan for the area. We value Marquette’s commitment to work toward efforts that improve the Erie community.” Edwards notes that his predecessor Frank Vogt was particularly active in programs with the Erie Regional Chamber, enhancing the long relationship Marquette and the Chamber have shared since 1954. “The Chamber’s commitment to retaining jobs and opening the local market to newcomers truly helps to expand the economic health of the area,” he says. “We have truly built our business one customer at a time,” says Edwards. He notes that their expert staff and accessibility to every customer has been Marquette’s key to long-lasting success. “Our branch managers have an average of 24 years of banking experience and we do not move our employees from branch to branch on a whim.” This ensures that customers feel at home with the same faces year after year as they deepen their relationship with their hometown bank.

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Download a copy of the REthink Erie “Evaluation of Northwest Pennsylvania’s Workforce Development and Educational Challenges and Opportunities” online at www.rethinkerie.com

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We’re happy to celebrate Marquette Savings Bank’s

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ACES congratulates Burton Funeral Homes, Marquette Savings Bank & American Tinning & Galvanizing Making a difference in our community

Touch the future - Volunteer

yearswww.aceserie.org of excellence!814-456-7007 For more information, visit or call www.aceserie.org 814-456-7007

Congratulations from your friends at

/ ÃÊ i>` } i`}iÊv>V ÌÞÊ ÜÊ >ÃÊ>ÊÛiÀÞÊ ` ÃÌ VÌÊ>`Û> Ì>}ip À°Ê >À Ê6> Þ i° At Hamot Occupational Health, we’re pleased to provide regional businesses with greater, more convenient access to our comprehensive employee health services and skilled physician specialists. And now, as the only Board Certified Occupational Health Physician in northwest PA, Dr. VanDyke would like to welcome you to our new, leadingedge facility—recently opened at 5035 Peach St. Our new site offers a full range of critical workforce services and capabilities including: Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê

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Louis J. Tullio Award

Burke Named 2009 Tullio Award Recipient The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership (ERCGP) has announced Dr. John D. “Jack” Burke, chancellor of Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, as the 2009 Louis J. Tullio Community Service Award recipient. Burke, who first joined the college in 1981 and has led Penn State Behrend since 2001, will be honored during the ERCGP’s Celebration of Excellence dinner and awards ceremony on April 16 at the Bayfront Convention Center. Throughout the years, Burke has served in numerous leadership roles in the Erie community. He currently is a member of the Board of Directors of the ERCGP, serves on the organization’s Executive Committee, and chairs the ERCGP’s Economic Development Committee, which is charged with business retention, expansion, and attraction. Burke serves as a member of the Board of Directors of United Way of Erie County. He is also a corporator and past member of the Board of Trustees of Hamot Health Foundation, having served on the Audit and Governance committees.

Dr. John D. Burke Chancellor of Penn State Erie, The Behrend College

Previously, Burke was president of the Board of Directors of the Enterprise Development Center for Erie County and served on its Civic Coordinating Committee. He has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Achievement Center and served on the Harborcreek Township Bicentennial Committee.

Burke has also helped to shape initiatives at Penn State Behrend that benefit the Erie community and position the college as a regional asset. Penn State Behrend currently has eight research and outreach centers that support economic development in the region, and is actively involved in technology transfer and commercialization efforts as well. Burke holds a bachelor’s degree in geography from the State University of New York at Oswego and earned his master’s degree and Ph.D., both in geography, from SUNY at Buffalo. He also earned a certificate from Harvard University’s Institute for Educational Management. Named after the late Louis J. Tullio, mayor of the City of Erie for more than 30 years, the Tullio Community Service Award recognizes a person or persons who have performed outstanding service by actively using abilities, initiative, resources and energies to sustain and improve the Erie region for present and future generations. The ERCGP’s Board of Directors selects the nominees and winners.

Congratulations Jack!

Dr. Jack Burke mercyhurst.edu

14

Chancellor, Penn State Behrend

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1515 East Avenue PO Box 1391 Erie, PA 16512 800-836-0259 (Toll Free) 814-452-4549 (Main Phone) 814-456-6107 (Fax)

Dr. Jack Burke, Chancellor, Penn State Behrend—Winner of the 2009 Louis J. Tullio Community Service Award presented by the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.

Brad Moore, Marketing Manager, eBizITPA—Recipient of a 2009 Generation-E Award presented by the Young Erie Professionals. Best wishes from your friends and colleagues at Penn State Behrend.

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Great achievements deserve our respect. Really important transformations start small and close to home. That’s the reason we support American Tinning & Galvanizing and Burton Funeral Homes and Crematory for their company’s leadership and investment in our region through the years.

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Co Brad Moore 2009 Generation-E Leadership Award Recipient From the staff at eBizITPA

www.ebizitpa.org 18

2009

leadership award winners By Allison Counasse and Jennifer Duda

Twelve local individuals have been chosen as recipients of the 2009 Generation-E Leadership Awards, which recognize young professionals who are paving the way for the future of Erie. Presented by the Young Erie Professionals (yep!), the awards have honored dozens of individuals over the past four years who not only have chosen to live, work and play in the Erie area, but who have made a lasting impact on the region. The winners were chosen by a panel of nine judges representing several different companies and organizations in the area. The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership is proud to partner with yep! to introduce you to this year’s winners.

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generation e leadership award winners Alyson Amendola

AdWheel award for print advertisement, which is the APTA’s highest honor in marketing. She was also named one of the “Dynamic Dozen Women Making a Difference in Their Community” Award by the Mercy Center for Women. Amendola has overcome some major obstacles in her path to success; she is a two-time cancer survivor, overcoming both Hodgkin’s disease and kidney cancer. When she’s not working or volunteering, Alyson spends time with her 5-year-old son Conor, mostly enjoying Presque Isle, the Erie Zoo, the library and other Erie attractions.

Alyson Amendola is the director of communications and public relations for the Office of Erie County Executive Mark DiVecchio, where she acts as a spokesperson for the county executive, writes news releases, speeches and presentations, handles media relations, along with many other responsibilities. An Erie native and graduate of Edinboro University, Amendola has previously held positions as the marketing director at the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority, the director of marketing and communications for the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority in Dayton, Ohio, and as assistant marketing director at the Millcreek Mall. Amendola is very involved in the community. She serves on the board of the Erie Playhouse as the chair for governance, is a donor relations committee member for the John Kanzius Foundation, is an Erie Ambassador graduate and is the secretary for the Mercyhurst Prep Alumni Board. She also has had involvement with the Second Harvest Food Bank and WQLN.

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Amendola has received the American Public Transit Association (APTA)

Tony Bruno Tony Bruno is the director of volunteer services at St. Vincent Health Center, where he oversees the entire volunteer function of the organization, including the more than 200 people who volunteer at the hospital, and plans a number of special events throughout the year. Bruno stepped into his position at St. Vincent in March after serving as the presidentelect for the Saint Vincent Auxiliary since 2008. In his current position he guides the Auxiliary Board in creative fund-raising efforts. They have set a goal to raise $1 million dollars for the hospital, which will go toward cancer care and research and women and children health. Prior to taking his position at St. Vincent, Bruno had a six-year career in hospitality operations and sales for Scott Enterprises, most recently as corporate sales manager. He was

responsible for the company’s largest accounts including GE Transportation and Lord Corporation, and was also the co-chair of Scott Enterprise’s Care Committee, an associate-run group that encourages employees to volunteer in the community. Through the Care Committee Bruno encouraged other Scott employees to dedicate time to the Children’s Miracle Network, Highmark Caring Place, City Mission and Shriner’s Hospital. He headed last year’s Christmas toy drive at the Scott properties and was able to deliver more than 800 toys to Shriner’s. Bruno volunteers much of his time to local charities and nonprofits, including the Therapeutic Riding Equestrian Center, the City Mission, the Academic Success Center, and the Children’s Miracle Network. Bruno manages to juggle his work and volunteer duties while also being a single father to his 3-year-old daughter Kyarra, whom he calls his biggest inspiration and motivator.

Rob Celeski Rob Celeski has been a welder at GETransportation for 20 years, and in 2005 took on an additional role when he began working with United Way as a campaign loaned representative for the Employees Community Service Fund (CSF) of GE. Union employees at GE donate to the fund through payroll deductions, which is then matched 40 percent by GE and used to help local nonprofits.

After just one year, Celeski was asked to step up as chairman of the CSF, and has since presented to more than 1,500 GE employees, encouraging them to join the CSF. His success rate in signing on new members is an impressive 96 percent. Thanks, in part, to Celeski’s efforts, GE and its employees donated $1.5 million to United Way last year. Celeski also serves on the board of directors for United Way, the Crime Victim Center, and the Pennsylvania Safe Kids Coalition. He chairs the annual PA Safe Kids Bike Rodeo, and has also volunteered with Community Shelter Services, Union City Family Support Center, Presents for Patients, Alpine Manor and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Celeski’s desire to help others stems from a traumatic experience he endured 20 years ago: when he was 19 years old he was severely stabbed. The wound went eight inches into his body and hit his liver, and he endured seven hours of emergency surgery. After the incident, Celeski received assistance from the staff at the Crime Victims Center, and he credits them with inspiring him to give back to the community. When he’s not working or volunteering, the Erie native enjoys spending time with his two children, Robbie, 8, and Carly, 12, and his large extended family.

Matthew Cummings Matthew Cummings is the director of marketing and communications for the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, where he determines and executes the organization’s media relations, marketing and overall communications strategies. In this role, Matthew is also leading the national marketing communications effort behind the region’s first business attraction strategy, “Tap Into Erie,” and the workforce development and education initiative known as “REthink Erie,” which is currently studying if a community college is warranted to serve northwest Pennsylvania.

Cummings earned his master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from West Virginia University in 2006, and since that time has worked as an adjunct faculty member in the college’s school of journalism, teaching undergraduate public relations and graduate-level marketing courses through the school’s online distance learning program.

Federation of Northwest Pennsylvania, acting as its communications chair.

Jodie Gloekler Jodie Gloekler is an educational program coordinator with the Gannon University Small Business Development Center (SBDC), where she is responsible for planning, organizing, developing and hosting all the Gannon SBDC educational programs and events. During her five-year tenure at the SBDC, she has successfully directed more than 400 programs to more than 6,000 business professionals throughout northwest Pennsylvania. Gloekler was instrumental in creating the Women in Leadership Development (W.I.L.D.) Conference in 2008, which was such a popular event that now in 2009 major corporations and more than 20 community partners are committed to supporting the conference, not only in northwest Pennsylvania, but nationwide.

An Erie native and graduate of Edinboro University, Cummings started his professional career in the radio business at just 19, working as an announcer at WXKC-FM and WJET-FM in Erie. He received the prestigious Dick Clark Fellow/Mercury Award in 2000, which led to a fellowship at CBS Network in New York City. He entered the marketing communications field when he took a position as communications specialist for the Millcreek School District, and then as communications, marketing and web content director for the Penn Hills School District in Pittsburgh. He then worked as communications director for Pittsburgh’s Gateway School District for two years before taking his position at the ERCGP and coming home to Erie. Cummings was honored with the Award of Excellence by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association in 2004 and 2005, and a Communication Excellence Award by the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association in 2001. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Advertising

She has served as coordinator and facilitator for the Erie County Athena PowerLink,® volunteers as an advisory board member to Authentic Holdings, Inc., which offers professional consulting, and previously served on the board of the Erie Advertising Club from 2006 to 2008. She is also currently

completing the Erie Ambassador training program, and currently serves as the advisor for Gannon University’s Alpha Sigma Alpha Chapter. 21

generation e leadership award winners An avid quilter, Gloekler has donated several of her handmade creations to Project Linus, Inc., which collects handmade blankets for at-risk babies and toddlers. She has also volunteered her time to do grant writing for Nurturing Hearts, Inc., a nonprofit devoted to helping at-risk teenage girls develop their self-esteem and leadership skills.

Years later his talent was jeopardized when he developed rheumatoid arthritis and was unable to withstand the hours it took to complete works using the pen and ink medium. As a result, Jobczynski converted to graphite and mixed media, which lent itself perfectly to the highly accurate and detailed action sports renderings for which he has come to be known.

A graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in criminology, Gloekler plans to graduate in May from Gannon University with a master’s degree in public administration.

+PCD[ZOTLJ T CJH CSFBL DBNF JO when Terrell Owens’ sports agent David Joseph commissioned him to create an illustration of the athlete. Joseph soon after became Jobczynski’s agent, as well, BOE CZ IF XBT DSFBUJOH IJT TQPSUT art live for ESPN’s national audience, and his fans grew throughout the country and the sports world.

Kevin-John Jobczynski

Through the popularity of his artwork he has been able to impact local charities and nonprofits in a powerful way. During UIF TVNNFS PG BMPOF +PCD[ZOTLJ T artwork helped to raise more than GPS MPDBM DPODFSOT -BTU ZFBS he hosted the first Celebrity Pro Party fundraiser in Erie. The celebrity-studded, SFE DBSQFU FWFOU SBJTFE NPSF UIBO for the Willie Williams’ Show Them We Care Foundation.

John C. Lyons Celebrity sports artist Kevin-John Jobczynski is known around the country for his amazingly realistic sports illustrations, and today has more UIBO QSP TQPSUT DMJFOUT )F IBT been featured at major sports events throughout the country as well as on national television. Although his career in professional sports EJEO U UBLF PGG VOUJM +PCD[ZOTLJ T professional career began while he was still in high school at McDowell in the MBUF T XIFO XBT DPNNJTTJPOFE UP create pen and ink renderings of three of Erie’s historical points of interest for the annual WQLN television auction. After that debut, his Erie-themed artwork was featured in galleries and events throughout the region. 22

John C. Lyons is an Erie-based filmmaker, who is working to advance independent filmmaking in the region. He also works as an informational technology generalist I at Edinboro University.

Lyons co-owns Lyons Den Productions LLC, an independent film production and design company, with his wife Dorota Swies. Lyons’ film productions include three short films, “Hunting Camp,� “BOGO,� and “Shakespeare’s Dilemma� and his first feature film “schism.� He has also worked on several other independent film projects. Lyons, whose late father had both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, states that one of the key missions of his new film “schism� is to spread Alzheimer’s awareness. Screenings for the film include educational Q&A sessions with Alzheimer’s Association members and care professionals. Lyons BMTP TFSWFE BT B KVEHF GPS UIF “Caring Touch� Awards honoring outstanding performance in dementia patient care by the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Lyons is vice president of the Film Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania, director/founder of the Edinboro Film Series, and an advisory board member for the Eerie Horror Film Festival. His productions have earned awards at several film festivals nationwide. And, his film “schism� was the first local production selected for the Guelcher Film Series at Mercyhurst College. Lyons has also been inducted into the Eerie Filmmaker Hall of Fame and was named one of the Erie Times-News’ 1FPQMF PG UIF :FBS JO Lyons earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Edinboro University. An Albion native, Lyons resides in Erie with his wife.

Brad Moore Brad Moore is the marketing manager for the Center for eBusiness and Advanced IT (eBizITPA). In this capacity, Moore has revamped the Center’s marketing strategy, led or assisted in funding efforts, and works with a great staff that helps Pennsylvania companies understand, use, and develop information technology.

Moore also serves as the volunteer chair of the Erie County Republican Party, notably the youngest Republican Party chairman in Pennsylvania’s history. Under Moore’s leadership, the County Republican Party has increased its fundraising capacity dramatically, established a permanent headquarters, hired its first executive director, and greatly enhanced its infrastructure locally. He previously worked as the director of public liaison for then Congressman Phil English and managed English’s successful SF FMFDUJPO DBNQBJHOT JO BOE )F BMTP TFSWFE BT UIF BTTJTUBOU UP the director of communications at the National Republican Congressional Committee in Washington, D.C. JO

In addition to his work in the political and economic development arena, Moore is active in the Erie community, where he has made his home since )F XBT B WPMVOUFFS CBTFCBMM coach for a local high school team and is an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Erie. Additionally, he and his family are active in their church. Moore earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. He lives in Erie with his wife Emily and daughter Mackenzie.

Christine Pennsy

Writers Associations. She has received several recognitions for her dedication to IFS QSPGFTTJPO JODMVEJOH B &SJF "E $MVC $SFBUJWF 4QBSL "XBSE BOE B Erie Ad Club Bronze Addy Award. Pennsy is a graduate of Clarion University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in communications/ public relations. A lifelong Erieite, Pennsy chose to make Erie her permanent home after graduating from college. She resides in Erie with her husband Dave.

Mayor Joseph E. Sinnott, Esq. Chris Pennsy is the director of communications for VisitErie, Erie County’s primary tourism promotion agency. Since joining VisitErie in .BSDI IFS SFTQPOTJCJMJUJFT include helping to drive economic development for the tourism industry by promoting Erie to internal and external audiences through public relations, communications, and marketing programs. Pennsy has more than 13 years experience in Erie’s hospitality/tourism industry. Pennsy’s career and involvement in many local organizations underscore her commitment to the Erie region and to promoting Erie’s vital arts and cultural organizations. She is a board member for the Erie Playhouse and serves on the marketing committee for ArtsErie. Her professional affiliations include membership in the NWPA chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals; Erie Ambassadors; Advertising Federation of NWPA; and Young Erie Professionals. She is a former member of the International Association of Business Communicators and a former Advancement Committee member at Mercyhurst Preparatory School. Pennsy also works as a freelance writer for Her Times magazine and, on behalf of VisitErie, is a member of the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers and the PA, OH, NY Outdoor

Joseph E. Sinnott, Esq., is the mayor of the City of Erie. Sinnott graduated from Gannon University with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Following graduation, Sinnott worked as a chemist for the City of Erie Waste Water Treatment Plant to solve environmental issues and achieve compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Sinnott then attended Case Western Reserve University School of Law, earning his juris doctor degree. He practiced environmental and commercial litigation at The Quinn Law Firm, then domestic and family law at Carney & Good. There he became interested in public service as a venue for creating change and generating solutions that would allow Erie to grow and progress. In his first political campaign, Sinnott was elected to serve on Erie City Council. 23

generation e leadership award winners In 2005, Sinnott was elected mayor of Erie, giving him the distinction of being the only mayor to have been a city employee and city councilman prior to becoming mayor. As mayor, he is committed to creating a strong, vibrant, and healthy community by approaching city issues holistically. Central to his agenda is the revitalization of Erie’s downtown, encouraging both business and residential development. He is also spearheading an initiative to address inner-city youth violence issues, engaging community leaders in approaching these problems head-on by formulating positive alternatives and serving as mentors to Erie’s young people. A lifelong resident of Erie, Sinnott has been known to make the occasional guest appearance on stage, performing with local bands in his limited spare time.

Shelly Walker Shelly Walker is a professional dance artist. After her graduation from Mercyhurst College, Walker became a member of Dafmark Dance Theater and Academy, where she also taught ballet, jazz, and modern dance. For 10 years, she was also the company’s general manager. She continues to teach, perform, and choreograph for Dafmark. Walker has enriched the lives of a diverse group of Erie residents— ranging from preschoolers to inner

Walker has also conducted arts in education residencies at South Hills Child Development Center, McDowell Intermediate High School, and St. Peter’s Cathedral School. And, she is the co-founder and past director of the Titusville Dance Conservatory. Walker earned a bachelor’s degree in Dance in 1990 and in psychology in 1995. She resides in Erie.

Beth Zimmer city youth to adults with disabilities —as a performing artist, a teaching artist, and an administrator.

Beth Zimmer is the director of talent acquisition and a senior consultant for J.L. Nick & Associates, an Eriebased human resources consulting firm. Zimmer has over 15 years of experience in varied leadership roles

Recognizing the need for art in the lives of people with disabilities in the Erie community, Walker developed dance classes at Erie Homes for Children & Adults. She also introduced dance to the students of The Barber National Institute through a residency program in 2007. Since 1999, she has also been a rostered teaching artist with ArtsErie’s Arts in Education program. In 2008, Walker was one of three artists from across the state selected by the PA Council on the Arts to conduct a pilot program known as the Teacher Artist Partnership (TAP). During the year-long program, Walker works with a third-grade teacher at Edison Elementary School, integrating dance into the language arts curriculum.

in the professional and executive search industry. In her current position, Zimmer recruits and places professionals and executives with local and national companies.

Generation-E Winner Photography by: Congratulations to our Gen-E Leadership Award Recipient Jodie M. Gloekler 814-868-0888 www.lorei.com 24

Educational Program Coordinator Gannon Small Business Development Center

Zimmer’s solid reputation for helping businesses find and recruit the very best talent available helped her earn recognition as one of 1FOOTZMWBOJB T 5PQ 8PNFO in Business and an Erie “Legend� Award for Best Small Business Professional in a Supporting Role. Zimmer recently conceptualized, led the development of, and is currently implementing a comprehensive physician acquisition program, designed to positively impact the quality and effectiveness of the region’s health care systems through focused recruitment and retention of high-caliber physicians. Prior to joining J.L. Nick, Zimmer was president of a nationally focused search firm, but transitioned to an established regional company in order to access greater opportunities to impact her own community. Zimmer is active on a number of committees that support women in business, including the Women in Leadership Development (W.I.L.D.) Conference inaugural committee, the Women Business Owners Peer-to-Peer Program advisory committee, the Women’s Economic Development Outreach Tour executive committee, and the Athena PowerLinkŽ Governing Body. Zimmer is a long-term, active Erie Ambassador. She is also a member of the Chamber Division committee of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership; the Board of Trustees for the Flagship Niagara League; and the ArtsErie personnel committee. In addition, Zimmer is a former board member of the American Cancer Society. Zimmer lives in Erie with her husband Kerry. She is the proud parent of Jamie and even prouder HSBOENPUIFS PG 5ZMFS BOE $IBTF NPOUIT

2009 Golf Outing Wednesday, May 20 Peek’n Peak Resort Lower Course Foursome: $600 Individuals may register for $150 and will be randomly assigned to a foursome. Upper Course Foursome: $700* *Upper course availability is limited, reserve early!

The day includes a grilled buffet lunch in an outdoor pavilion; greens fees and cart; complimentary golf shirt; on-course beer, soda and water; steak dinner and tournament awards. Both courses will play an 18-hole, four-person scramble. This is the one golf tournament that your business can’t afford to miss! To reserve your foursome, contact Cathy Noble at cnoble@eriepa.com and provide golfers’ names. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Julie Graff at jgraff@eriepa.com for information. Sponsored by:

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Printing Concepts cares about the environment. That’s why we talk “Green�. One example is how deforestation threatens the monarch butterfly’s winter habitat in Mexico. Reforesting these sites will improve the butterfly’s nesting habitat and restore soil and watersheds in the deforested areas. So for that next printing project, ask us about “Green�! We are passionate about our future and what resources will be available for next generations. Contact US for your SFI, PEFC or FSC Sustainability Needs!

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Registration deadline: May 29, 2009 Is your company one of the “Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania?� The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership and Team Pennsylvania Foundation encourage Erie area companies to apply for the 2009 Best Places to Work in PA program. Visit bestplacestoworkinpa.com to register.

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ATHENA PowerLink Year of Free Professional Advice Awarded to Erie Women Business Owners The Erie ATHENA PowerLinkŽ Governing Body has selected Colleen Moore Mezler, Moore Research Services, Inc. and Joyce Miller, Ph.D., KeyStone Research Corporation (KSRC), to receive free business guidance as part of the ATHENA PowerLink program. ATHENA PowerLink is designed to connect a woman business owner to a volunteer panel of advisors who provide free advice to grow the company and improve its business operations. In its nine-year existence in Erie, ATHENA PowerLink has helped a dozen women business owners grow their sales and increase income. Nationally, the program has assisted businesses grow annual sales an average of 89 percent and increase income by an average of 38 percent. This year-long program was founded in 1JUUTCVSHI JO BOE IBT TJODF FYQBOEFE UP OFBSMZ cities across the country. “Our bank is committed to supporting the growth and vitality of women business owners in Erie County whether it be through lending, cash management or advice,� said Linda Stevenson, governing body chair and senior vice president for the Women’s Development Program of National City, now a part of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. “By bringing together women business owners and experts in specialized fields, our local business community can together provide a boost to these businesses and help stimulate the local economy.� The advisory panel specifically designed for KSRC and Moore Research Services will be composed of area professionals who have volunteered their time to mentor Miller and Mezler. The Erie panel will be comprised of experts in marketing, communications, public relations, market research, sales, law, human resources, and banking. “It is a great honor to have been selected into the ATHENAPowerLink Program and I look forward to the exceptional mentoring I will receive from some of the Erie’s finest professionals,� says Mezler. “I am proud of UIF HSPXUI .PPSF 3FTFBSDI IBT BDIJFWFE JO UIF QBTU years and look forward to reaching new heights under the guidance of the ATHENA program.� Moore Research Services, Inc. is a nationally known fullTFSWJDF NBSLFU BOE PQJOJPO SFTFBSDI DPNQBOZ 4JODF their experience and dedication to quality research has helped clients make professional and reliable business decisions. Moore Research has helped both national companies and local businesses refine their products, their

message and even their packaging by delivering rock-solid data on what consumers are really thinking. “My overall goal is to build the business and to improve its sustainability, ensuring that it will remain viable and continue to exist upon my retirement,� says Miller, who describes her company as being at a cross-roads with respect to establishing a new set of services and products for service organizations that will provide them with a knowledge base and set of tools to improve their overall performance. Miller expects her advisory panel to assist KSRC with guided expertise to determine the complement of services and products to offer as well as the appropriate marketing strategy. The panel will assist Miller in developing a succession plan for her company. KeyStone Research Corporation (KSRC), incorporated in QSPWJEFT SFTFBSDI NBOBHFNFOU DPOTVMUJOH USBJOJOH and technical assistance to organizations, enabling them to create systems that are operationally streamlined, accountable for results, and sustainable over time. To that end, the To be considered for ATHENA company PowerLink, companies must: partners with

t #F PXOFE BU MFBTU QFSDFOU CZ public, private, a woman; and nonprofit t )BWF CFFO JO PQFSBUJPO GPS BU MFBTU organizations two years; to increase their t )BWF B NJOJNVN PG UXP FNQMPZFFT knowledge base, assist t (FOFSBUF BOOVBM SFWFOVFT PG B MFBTU $250,000 if in manufacturing or retail, in program or $100,000 if in a service business; and policy t )BWF DMFBSMZ EFGJOFE DPNQBOZ development, objectives/goals with explicit evaluate their reasons for seeking assistance efficiency and through the program. effectiveness, determine strategies for quality improvements, and provide implementation expertise for planned improvements. Two Erie County women business owners are selected for participation in the Athena PowerLink program annually with a deadline for application on January 1. To obtain more information or to apply for the ATHENA PowerLink program, please contact Linda Stevenson at MJOEB TUFWFOTPO!OBUJPOBMDJUZ DPN National City, Now a Part of The PNC Financial Services Group, The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, Gannon University Small Business Development Center and the DeMarco Wachter Firm are the primary program sponsors.

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photo courtesy of Visit Erie

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