Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership Invest in Erie... Invest in Your Business
Investment Portfolio
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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 J u n e 2 0 0 9
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Frank L. Kroto, Jr.
John M. Quinn, Jr.
Lawrence C. Bolla
Arthur D. Martinucci
George Joseph
Joel M. Snavely
Michael S. Jan Janin
Kristin Prechtel
Paul F. Burroughs
John W. McCandless
Nicholas R. Pagliari
Michael P. Kruszewski
2222 W. Grandview Blvd. Erie, PA 16506 | 814/833-2222 Phone | 814/833-6753 Fax | www.quinnfirm.com
Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Par tnership Magazine
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[contents June 2009
President’s Perspective.................... 2
Welcome New Members.............3-4
Investing in Erie and Your Business t &DPOPNJD %FWFMPQNFOU %JWJTJPO ............................................6-8 Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership Mission Statement Leadership to attract, retain and expand business.
Board of Directors
Gregory S. Baldwin Jr. 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
President/CEO Jim Dible
Vice President, Chamber Claudia Thornburg
Vice President, Economic Development Jacob A. Rouch
Above: The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership celebrated 26 new graduates of the Erie Ambassador program during a ceremony held June 2 at Lake Shore Country Club. The ERCGP’s Erie Ambassador program is designed to comprehensively train community leaders interested in promoting Erie. The course examines numerous aspects of the community, providing in-depth information and insight from Erie’s top civic and business leaders.
t (SPXUI 1BSUOFSTIJQ %JWJTJPO .......................................... 9-10 t $IBNCFS %JWJTJPO 11-14
2009 Golf Outing Photos...............19
For more information, contact Cathy Noble, event coordinator, at (814) 454-7191 or cnoble@eriepa.com
Vice President, Growth Partnership Mary Bula
Editor
Matthew Cummings
Contributing Writers Cat Carlson Diane Chido Jennifer Duda
Photography Art Becker
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
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Checking investment portfolios these days can be depressing. But in this edition of Erie Magazine our goal is to remind you of all the reasons you should be proud of the portfolio represented by your investment in the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership. Invest in Erie…. Invest in your Business. That’s exactly what you have done by investing in the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership (ERCGP). You are investing in an organization with three divisions, but only one mission: Partnership and leadership to retain, expand and attract business in the Erie region. You are investing in strategic initiatives through the Growth Partnership Division such as the effort to determine if a community college fits the region’s recognized workforce development needs. You are investing in job retention and growth for the region through the Economic Development Division’s efforts to call on 600 companies a year as a one-stop shop for their needs, and to market our abundant, high quality water supply through the Tap Into Erie business attraction strategy. You are investing in networking opportunities through the Chamber Division’s programs such as Business After Hours, the Erie Ambassadors, the Celebration of Excellence, an annual golf outing, the Fall Member Fest and affinity programs. You are investing in having your voice along with those of others in the business community heard on public policy issues through our Legislative Review Committee. Here’s how others view their ERCGP investment: Gordon Naughton, CEO of J.H. Bennett Records Management: “We do not manufacture a product but provide services in our region, so a healthy economy in all sectors, whether it’s manufacturing, tourism, or health care, are necessary to our success. This region has been very good to our businesses over the years and it is the responsibility of all companies to give back when possible. The Chamber is a perfect vehicle to support, since its mission is supporting all of us.” Tim Hunter, president and CEO of McInnes Rolled Rings: “An investment in the Chamber is an investment in a combined effort and vision for greater economic
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development and a strong community as a whole. You’re doing something as a group that you’d never be able to do on your own. I’d encourage any business to get involved and help to determine that direction and vision.” Nick Scott, Jr., vice president of Scott Enterprises: “As a developer, our company is always looking for opportunities in the region, and the Growth Partnership has been a very good resource for us. More importantly, the Partnership brings together public and private sectors to contribute to the understanding and planning of Erie’s future economy. That’s unique to the region and will make a big difference in the area’s economic viability.” Dr. Jack Burke, chancellor of Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, and chair of the Economic Development Division: “The Erie Chamber takes the lead for the Economic Development Lead Team. This team deals with all aspects of business retention, expansion and attraction, and everyone who can help a business is at the table. This collaborative arrangement is unique in the Commonwealth and represents a one-stop shop for businesses seeking help. Mike Chesley, general manager of Composiflex: “If the ERCGP was not there at the center of the hub of the economic development system, it would be impossible to know where to turn. You can simply call one location and they direct you to the correct program and appropriate contact.” The 15 ERCGP staff members strive every day to keep growing your return on the investment you have made in our organization. Thank you for letting us work for you.
TREC-Therapeutic Riding Equestrian Consultants for strategic planning Center N E W S I LV E R I N V E S T O R S
Vie Associates, LLC
and organizational development. Mr. Kevin Smith 8FTU UI 4USFFU &SJF 1"
Serving the Erie community with equine-assisted activities and therapies for people with physical, emotional, cognitive and social disabilities. Safe and effective programs designed Ray Showman Jr. by professionals. Excavating, Inc. Ms. Charlene Myers Excavation, storm sewer, water, 1MBU[ 3PBE golf course construction, site work. 'BJSWJFX 1" Ms. Martha Showman 1 0 #PY 8BUFSGPSE 1" Cornerstone IT, Inc. A full service Microsoft Gold Partner providing managed NEW INVESTORS network services, application D.L. Ricci & Associates development, Web design and hosting to small- and mediumRecruiting and staffing firm sized businesses. serving the automotive, heavy truck, medical, electronics, plastics, Mr. Raymond Paganini (SBOESJEHF 15 %SJWF banking and finance industries. Our focus revolves around staffing $PODPSE 0) solutions for middle market and entrepreneurial firms, executing Twinbrook Medical projects in Eastern Europe, Center Asia and North America. Accelerated intensive medical Mr. Dave Ricci and rehabilitation services P.O. Box 8883 and long term care. &SJF 1" Ms. Colleen Cole (814) 833-3874 'JFME 4USFFU &SJF 1" Yardmaster of Pennsylvania, LLC Landscaping and snow plowing. Mr. Jerry Kunco P.O. Box 8438 &SJF 1"
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[welcome new investors
If you know a company or organization that wants to invest in Erie and in their business, please contact Sara Galbreath, sales executive, at (814) 454-7191 or sgalbreath@eriepa.com.
Card Heating & Air Conditioning Services, Inc.
Poggemeyer Design Group
Carter Orthopedics Limited
ErieAlityTV.com / ID Video Productions
Service and install residential, commercial and industrial HVAC systems. Our commitment to your comfort and energy savings is a top priority because we care. Mr. Harry Card 5335 Heidler Road 'BJSWJFX 1"
Orthotics and prosthetic appliances. Mr. Joseph H. Carter, Jr 8FTU UI 4USFFU &SJF 1" (814) 455-5383
Royal Homes Construction & Development, Inc.
General contractor. Residential and commercial buildings, drainage and storm sewers. Mr. Donald Crenshaw P.O. Box 7353 &SJF 1"
Apex Cleaning Services Full cleaning service. Mr. Francis Terrizzi ;JNNFSMZ 3PBE &SJF 1"
City planning, economic development, municipal engineering. Architectural, structural and electrical design firm. Ms. Charlene Kerr Piper, AKP &BTU -BLF 3PBE /PSUI &BTU 1"
ErieAlityTV.com is Erie’s Reality TV program. We showcase inspirational stories of individuals, businesses and organizations—a new way of high impact marketing and base-building. Mr. Greg Schlueter 3PTMJOEBMF "WFOVF &SJF 1"
Sharp Estate Services, LLC
Full service liquidation provider, offering free consultation. Several options for downsizing, retirement and relocation. Your home will be content free and clean. Ms. Sandra L. Soder 1 0 #PY .D,FBO 1" (continued next page)
July 23, 2009 Bayfront Convention Center 1 Sassafras Pier, Erie 5 - 8 p.m.
Reservations required name tags will be provided.
August 19, 2009 Logistics Plus, Inc. The Brewerie The Concourse of Union Station 8FTU UI 4USFFU &SJF 5 - 8 p.m.
Committed to the Creation of Exquisite Events
CONCOURSE OF UNION STATION
We look forward to seeing you at these networking events for Chamber investors. Please RSVP to the Chamber at (814) 454-7191 or cnoble@eriepa.com.
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[welcome new investors
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Studio Hue
Hair salon concentrated on haircuts and hair color working toward organic and environmentally correct products. Ms. Judy Meyn 2100 West 8th Street Suite A Erie, PA (814) 452-4310
Weiss Earley Landscape Design & Contracting, LLC
Landscape design, construction, maintenance and management. Mr. Charles J. Weiss 4500 West Ridge Road Erie, PA 16506 (814) 835-8050
The Bilicki Law Firm, P.C.
A full service intellectual property law firm providing patent, trademark and copyright prosecution as well as litigation services to local, national and international clients since 1993. Mr. David AnKeny 1001 State Street Suite 1400 Erie, PA 16501 (814) 480-5775
Pilot Freight Services
Pilot is a transportation and logistics company with 65 offices throughout the US and Canada, equipped to move cargo by air, land and sea, anywhere in the world. Ms. Denise Montrose 6960 Engle Road Suites KK NN Middleburg Heights, OH 44130 (440) 243-6300
Sedney Enterprises
Rum Runners, est. 1988, is a casual dinning waterfront establishment. Rum Runners Cove, est. 2008, is casual dining located on Erie’s Bayfront with beautiful views. Mr. Tim Sedney 2 State Street Erie, PA 16507 (814) 454-7160
Adcom-Optiem
Adcom-Optiem is Cleveland’s largest digitally-based advertising, marketing and communications agency providing traditional, web, electronic and sound media services to healthcare, banking and other industries. Mr. Philip Winton 1370 West 6th Street 3rd Floor Cleveland, OH 44113 (216) 574-9100
Corporate Lodgings of Northeast Ohio
Offering spacious, fullyfurnished corporate housing in Erie and Lake County, Ohio. Ms. Clare McNamara 6956 Spinach Drive Mentor, OH 44060-4958 (440) 974-7131
Erie Life Magazine
Erie Life Magazine is a progressive magazine published 12 times a year. ELM showcases and promotes the tri-state region. Ms. Natasha Cabelof 1001 State Street Suite 915 Erie, PA 16501 (814) 440-8869
continued Springhill Senior Living Community
A continuing care retirement community which is nationally accredited and provides an exceptional array of services, amenities and health care support. The 46 acre campus is comprised of 123 apartments, 36 garden homes, Oakview Assisted Living and Forestview Health Care. Mr. James G. Schneider 2323 Edinboro Road Erie, PA 16509-3492 (814) 866-6677
Erie Promotions & Expositions, Inc.
A leader in consumer trade show productions. We produce and manage consumer trade shows at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie and at the Fairgrounds in Hamburg, New York. Mr. Mark Concilla P.O. Box 174 North East, PA 16428 (814) 725-3856
3D Dynamics
Providing coaching services to individuals, couples, families, family businesses and organizational teams and work groups. 3D was founded by three certified professional coaches with over 17 years combined coaching experience. Ms. Allison Parr-Plasha 1285 Ponderosa Drive Erie, PA 16509 (814) 450-7440
John Huegel Photography
Focusing on location-based portraits including seniors, weddings, sports, dance studio and families. We also strongly support nonprofits and schools. Mr. John Huegel 537 Boyer Road Erie, PA 16511 (814) 881-2840
If you know a company or organization that wants to invest in Erie and in their business, please contact Sara Galbreath, sales executive, at (814) 454-7191 or sgalbreath @eriepa.com.
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!
PRINTING CONCEPTS, INC.
For Business, personal or pleasure we are ready to service you 24 hours per day. Just give us a call 4
(3"/%7*&8 #64*/&44 1"3, t 1"$*'*$ "7&/6& ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA 16506 t '"9 t e-mail: printcon@erie.net www.printingconceptsonline.com
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Investing in Erie and Your Business As a member of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, do you ever wonder if your membership dues are giving you a fair return on your investment? As in any relationship, you get out of it what you put into it. The various bodies within the ERCGP are here for you, ready to help you grow your business and enhance economic development throughout the region, but first, they have to know what you need.
Economic Development Division By Diane Chido
Jake Rouch, vice president for the Economic Development %JWJTJPO TBZT i*G ZPV NBLF XJEHFUT XF XBOU ZPV UP LFFQ PO making widgets and let us do the rest. If we are effective in what we do, you should find value in being a member.� The Chamber’s role is to be a gateway to the regional economic development system. They meet with members and listen to what they need and then go out and find the financing mechanisms or other information to meet individual business goals. Some of the projects the ERCGP is involved with are on the individual company level and others are more long-term and broad-based. The Tap Into Erie program, for instance, is a strategic, nationwide, long-term brand-building plan to market Erie’s NJMMJPO HBMMPO B EBZ FYDFTT DMFBO XBUFS DBQBDJUZ i/P POF FMTF JT NBSLFUJOH XBUFS UIJT XBZ and this initiative has been greeted internally and externally BT UIF SJHIU BQQSPBDI w 3PVDI OPUFT i8F IBWF TFDVSFE JO GJOBODJOH GPS UIF FGGPSU BOE SFBTPOBCMZ FYQFDU JU UP UBLF NPOUIT UP QBZ PGG 8F BSF BUUFOEJOH USBEF shows for water-intensive industries, including those focused on renewable energy, food processors, and West Coast brewers. We will start off with small wins that will generate larger ones for the region as more companies decide to expand or relocate their operations here.� 6
Two local firms have already received contracts for this project. To identify and target specific water-intensive industries and water-deficient regions, such as Atlanta and Phoenix, McManis & Monsalve Associates provided the market research and guided students from the Mercyhurst College Institute for Intelligence Studies (MCIIS) Paul ,FOOZ .D.BOJT .POTBMWF $'0 TBZT i8F XFSF WFSZ pleased to collaborate with the various agents of the economic development system to perform this market research. Finding the appropriate industrial and geographic targets for our most important resource will surely bring more opportunities for the region.� Bensur Creative Marketing developed the campaign, which can be seen at www.tapintoerie.com. Owner Dan Bensur had been interested in this topic for years before the marketing campaign even CFHBO i5IJT opportunity was an outgrowth of my nine years on the Erie Water Works Board, from which we developed and directed the original marketing capacity for Erie’s water, which has always been a tremendous resource.
“Aside from the beautiful sunsets we appreciate from Lake Erie, our water system is the largest in the world to institute nano-filtration, which will make it one thousand times more pure than national standards. As water becomes more scarce worldwide, this initiative has tremendous importance to our community as we expand our campaign.” Other community-wide initiatives include “REthink Erie,” the plan for a new community college and a number of arrangements in assembling projects eligible for economic stimulus funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
Lead Economic Development Team At bi-monthly meetings, the Lead Economic Development Team (Lead Team), comprised of representatives from 12 local and regional Lead Economic Development Team Representatives: economic development • Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership organizations, coordinates its • Economic Development Corporation efforts to help of Erie County and GEIDC local companies • Erie County and Corry Area Industrial under the Development Corporation leadership of • City of Erie the ERCGP. • Erie County As chancellor • Governor’s Action Team of Penn • Gannon University Small Business State Erie, Development Center The Behrend College, Dr. • Center for eBusiness and Advanced Information Technology Jack Burke, also chair of • Northwest Pennsylvania Industrial the Economic Resource Center Development • Northwest Commission Committee, • Regional Center for Workforce explains, “The Excellence Erie Chamber • Erie City Redevelopment Authority takes the • Ben Franklin Technology Partners lead for the Economic Development Lead Team. This team deals with all aspects of business retention, expansion, and attraction, and everyone who can help a business is at the table. This collaborative arrangement is unique in the Commonwealth and represents a one-stop shop for businesses seeking help.” This deep collaboration among city, county, state, and other agencies truly is unique, as in many Pennsylvania communities, such groups operate more competitively.
By working together, the Lead Team keeps abreast of what ongoing or new projects might benefit from the input of other members or their organizations.
Business Retention & Expansion Program (BREP) Under the direction of Melanie Johnson, the BREP operates as a single source of the latest data on regional and state economic development opportunities, resources, and programs appropriate to ERCGP members’ individual needs. “We do the legwork for any company or organization that wants to know if there is help available for their particular project or problem. We are the only agency available locally that can do that one-on-one on a daily basis,“ explains Johnson. Mike Chesley, general manager of Composiflex, has been so satisfied with the support he has received that he has become a sort of evangelist for the BREP. “If the ERCGP was not there at the center of the hub of the economic development system, it would be impossible to know where to turn,” he says. Composiflex, with the guidance and coordination of the BREP, has received state grant funding for workforce development and training, a low-interest loan through the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA) program, and with the aid of the Northwest Industrial Resource Council, has achieved AS9100 certification, which enables the firm to serve the aviation industry. “Without this information and funding, our certification would have been delayed indefinitely. As it is, we will be exhibiting this June at the Paris Air Show,” Chesley asserts. He keeps a compass-like graphic framed on his office bookshelf illustrating which agency provides which services. There are so many disparate economic development organizations, including the state, city, and county. Chesley adds, “They keep in touch with us and with each other so I do not have to contact each of them directly. You can simply call one location (BREP) and they direct you to the correct program and the appropriate contact. Behind the scenes, they have developed a communication system to ensure that they all know what is going on throughout the community.” Jim Fetzner, CEO of Comfort Care and Resources, acknowledges the difficulty of attempting to navigate the federal, state, and other funding environments while trying to run a business from day to day. “The last thing on your mind is combing through a grant or loan program while trying to take care of your primary responsibilities,” he notes. “The Chamber was great when it came to getting in touch with other economic development agencies. (continued next page)
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They cut down on the phone calls and red tape and allowed us to push our project forward much more quickly than would otherwise have been possible.� Art Whelan, senior vice president of corporate administration at Logistics Plus, has used BREP to obtain State grant funding for workforce development and their coordination with the Northwest Commission was a major GBDUPS JO GVOEJOH GPS SFDFOU CVTJOFTT FYQBOTJPO i8JUIPVU their help, we wouldn’t even have known the funding was BWBJMBCMF w 8IFMBO OPUFT i8F IBWF BMTP XPSLFE B MPU XJUI Tom Ehrensberger and the Governor’s Action Team (GAT) and with Kim Green from the city. Any of the economic development entities we have worked with have been very helpful in sustaining and expanding Logistics Plus’ successful business plans.�
Legislative Review Committee The Legislative Review Committee (LRC) closely monitors all legislation likely to impact the region’s economic development, ranging from local ordinances to state and federal bills and laws. It also works with elected officials to find common ground and promote the best mutual options, as well as advocating or working behind the scenes to advance the greater cause of the regional
business community. Current issues under review JODMVEF UIF GPMMPXJOH Erie City Council’s M-2 Heavy Manufacturing Proposed Zoning Ordinance – From a business retention and expansion perspective, the LRC sees this bill as likely to make the region unattractive for businesses that might consider expanding or relocating to Erie. Erie City Council’s Proposed Continual Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) Ordinance – This is likely to negatively affect several existing firms, as well as new/ prospective companies by placing restrictive costs for installing and operating emission monitoring systems exceeding both state and federal environmental regulations that have not been imposed anywhere else in the United States. Federal Employee Free Choice Act (Card Check) Bill – This federal bill would greatly increase the power of unions to organize and remove employees’ rights to a secret ballot. The overwhelming opposition lodged by the business community nationwide, including by the ERCGP on behalf of its members, has caused the bill to be stalled in Congress. The Senate is likely to modify its language and propose another version of the bill.
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Growth Partnership Division By Cat Carlson
With a membership of more than 140 CEOs—the top decision makers from Platinum, Gold and Silver Chamber members—the Growth Partnership is a group of the best business minds in Erie. Their charge? To advance strategic community initiatives that strengthen Erie’s economic vitality. “Our goal is to make a positive, long-term impact,” says Mary Bula, vice president, Growth Partnership Division. “By bringing some of the best business minds to community development initiatives, we can tap into a knowledge and experience base that, before, wasn’t connected to larger regional objectives. That makes a big difference in building and maintaining a vibrant economy.” According to County Executive Mark DiVecchio, the Growth Partnership’s contributions have been largely and positively influential. “The Growth Partnership allows the county to participate in the broader community agenda that is important to our business and industry,” he says. “They have been intimate and indispensable partners in initiatives such as the airport runway expansion project and others.” Current Growth Partnership initiatives include REthink Erie, created to identify the region’s workforce, economic and educational challenges and evaluate the viability of a community college here; the Erie Area Council of Governments (COG) collaboration, a mechanism to help businesses connect with government officials and enhance public service delivery; and continued gaming revenue
distribution assistance, bringing the business community’s voice to the table regarding the use of gaming funds. All of these initiatives have the potential to strengthen Erie in way that positively impacts the membership’s businesses and broader economic and social aspects of the community.
REthink Erie At the root of a strong economy is workforce development: a mixture of the right education for current and future employment opportunities. REthink Erie is an unprecedented collaboration among the business, government, economic development and philanthropic communities to aggressively address this workforce development challenge in Erie. As part of its work, REthink Erie is specifically looking at the opportunities for, and the viability of, creating a community college to serve northwestern Pennsylvania. “A community college has the potential to make a huge change in our community long term,” says Gordon Naughton, CEO, J.H. Bennett Records Management. “There are several influential people in our community who have moved here from other regions where they had a community college experience. It gave them a good stepping stone toward successful careers. We could potentially offer that affordable, accessible opportunity here.” REthink Erie, over time, will continue to gauge the workforce and educational needs of our community to not only help shape a potential community college, but also to better inform the region’s broader business retention, expansion, attraction and economic development efforts.
Erie Area Council of Governments Collaboration among governments is key to building a vibrant and viable economy across the region. To encourage this, the Erie Area Council of Governments (COG) brings (continued next page)
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together seven municipal governments and Erie County government to find better ways to provide public services. The seven municipal governments include the City of Erie, Fairview, Harborcreek, Lawrence Park, Millcreek and Summit Townships, and Wesleyville Borough. The Growth Partnership is partnering with the Erie Area COG to bring some fresh ideas and additional expertise to the table. “As a developer, our company is always looking for opportunities in the region, and the Growth Partnership has been a very good resource for us,” says Nick Scott, Jr., vice president of Scott Enterprises. “More importantly,” he adds, “the Growth Partnership brings together public and private sectors to contribute to the understanding and planning of Erie’s future economy. That’s unique to the region and will make a big difference in the area’s economic viability.” According to Scott, who serves as one of 16 Growth Partnership steering committee members, the group’s way of bringing people together puts regional initiatives in better positions to succeed. “If you only talk to 10 people for feedback on a project, and they aren’t the right 10 people,” he says, “the investment might not be in the best interest of the community. But when you go out into the community and listen to multiple perspectives, you end up working with much better information and ultimately end up being more successful.”
Gaming Revenue Distribution Each year millions of dollars will flow to northwestern Pennsylvania because Presque Isle Downs and Casino exists. Roughly one-half of the revenue, referred to as restricted funds, are made available for distribution to Erie County, Summit Township as host township for the casino and to the four contiguous townships through a municipal grant program administered by the county. The other one-half of the funds, referred to as unrestricted funds, are available for distribution to Erie County Regional Assets through a grant
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The Growth Partnership helps bring attention back to the initial issues that have transformational impact on the community.
program developed by the Regional Assets Funding Committee, and also for distribution through programs administered by the county and as grants.
When the gaming revenue opportunity materialized, the Growth Partnership convened business and community leaders and stakeholders to consider the highest and best uses for the unrestricted funds. After several meetings, the group made recommendations to Erie County government for consideration. “This was a group of people with a lot of experience,” says Char Mashyna, executive director of ArtsErie and member of the Regional Assets Task Force, one of the stakeholder groups involved in the process. “By tapping their experience with public funding, in addition to their vision, the group came up with recommendations that are in the best interest of the whole community.” Many of the committee’s initial recommendations were accepted by Erie County government. Because this issue is of such vital importance to the region and the decision making process is an ongoing one, the Growth Partnership continues to provide feedback and input on the best use of these funds.
A Greater Impact Overall, says Mashyna, the Growth Partnership helps bring attention back to the initial issues that have transformational impact on the community. “There are so many things going on in the community that need involvement from multiple resources,” she says. “If everyone remains in silos—businesses, nonprofits, governments, etc.—we won’t grow. The value of the Growth Partnership is that businesses are getting involved in the community as a whole. They are asking what the issues are and how they can move things forward. It unites everyone. It has greater impact.”
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Chamber Division By Jennifer Duda
When Troy Post opened his business, Hydro Physics, in 2007, there were a lot of questions he had as a first-time business owner. So he turned to the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership (ERCGP) for help. “The Chamber has been a very valuable resource for me,” he said. “They’ve really answered a lot of my businessrelated questions and put me in contact with people who helped me get a successful business going.” Post’s company, a trustee-level member, conducts video inspections of sewer lines, drain lines and underground pipes to detect and assess problems. He said the ERCGP has given him a lot of referrals, and he’s been able to connect with fellow business owners through the organization’s events. “It’s nice to just be able to talk to other business owners and see how they handle day-to-day business operations,” he said. Post isn’t the only local businessperson who has seen his ERCGP membership pay dividends. Whether it’s advertising on the Chamber’s Web site, hosting or attending its many events, or getting the word out about businesses through ERIE Magazine or ErieExtra newsletter, the benefits and services the ERCGP offers its members is helping local businesses—and the regional economy—to grow and flourish.
“Business is all about letting people know you are around, and that you can help them fulfill a need. The Chamber helps with that in many ways from the business directory to the Web site listings to the Business After Hours,” she said. Welser recently hosted a Business After Hours to promote Read to Rebound, which she considered very successful. “People look forward to the Business After Hours no matter who is holding it or where it is being held,” she said. “We had 150 people at our event, and I’m sure a lot of them had never heard of Read To Rebound. They have now.” The monthly Business After Hours and other events that the Chamber hosts throughout the year provide unique networking opportunities to connect with regional business and civic leaders. The Business After Hours average 150 attendees each month, and have sometimes had up to 350; the Celebration of Excellence Dinner has close to 500 attendees each year; the Annual Golf Outing averages 250 golfers; Fall Member Fest has an annual average of 300 attendees and the Annual Meeting averages 250 guests. “The more people you meet and greet, the larger your network gets. And these events allow you to build a network with people you might not otherwise get a chance to meet,” said Dan Rosenberg, general manager at trustee-level member McCarl’s Services, Inc., a commercial industrial manufacturing contractor for HVAC and refrigeration. He estimates that he’s attended about 90 percent of the Business After Hours events since they started, and hasn’t missed a golf outing. “When you meet people after 5 o’clock in a casual environment, you meet the real them and they meet the real you,” he said. “It’s not about selling something. It’s about creating relationships first, and then if that leads to business in the future, that’s great.”
Kelly Welser juggles three business ventures and all are trustee-level members of the ERCGP. Annette’s Kitchen, which she owns with her sister Annette Gardner and niece Angela Glass, offers pre-made home-cooked meals and ingredients and recipes for customers to make their own meals; Read to Rebound, a nonprofit organization that collects and publishes true stories about kids in the community that have gone through challenging situations to show other kids that they are not alone in the troubles they face; and Erie Pest Control, which she owns with her husband Doug Welser. Though all have very different goals, she has found the ERCGP’s benefits and services to be helpful to all three enterprises. ERIEBANK Business After Hours
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The bi-weekly ErieExtra electronic newsletter with a distribution of 1,700 communicates news and events of the ERCGP and its members. It has seen a 20 percent increase in read rates from 2007-2009 and click through rates in the 35 percent range—about 20 percent higher than average. The ERCGP’s Web site, EriePA.com, also communicates member information and generates thousands of referrals to and from members annually. Last year, the site generated more than 2.5 million hits and has become an interactive information tool promoting two-way communication between the ERCGP and its membership. Members can also purchase banner advertisements on the site, each of which had 30,000 impressions in the first quarter.
Read to Rebound Business After Hours
Stephanie Potous-Eaker, who co-owns trustee-level members Make It Fabulous catering and the newly opened Summer House Café with her husband Jack Eaker, said the many opportunities they’ve had to make connections and provide catering services at the Business After Hours and other Chamber events have really boosted their business. “It has been a great vehicle for us to help businesses put their best foot forward,” she said. “So we try to do the best job possible to help them promote their businesses, and it also puts us in front of hundreds of people. We’ve been very fortunate with that.” But networking events are far from the only benefits the ERCGP offers its members.
ERIE Magazine, which is distributed to 2,000 business leaders every other month, is the most widely-read business publication in the region. With an editorial calendar focused on telling the ERCGP’s story through the success of its members, it has become the organization’s signature communications piece. The magazine can also be viewed online, and averages 500 viewers reading 5,000 pages per issue.
“Being on the Chamber’s site is yet another form of exposure for us, in particular for people that are considering relocating to our area,” said Gordon Naughton, CEO of J.H. Bennett Records Management, a silver-level member that takes advantage of the banner advertisements on EriePA.com. “The demographics of people using the Internet to find services continue to change, are dramatic and covers all age groups.” Some of the other services that the ERCGP offers are less tangible, but no less important. Programs like the Erie Ambassadors support the regional economy by training community leaders to promote Erie. The program, which started four years ago, currently has about 280 ambassadors and holds new ambassador training session in the spring and fall. Lisa Heidelberg, travel and tourism supervisor for Presque Isle Downs and Casino, and an Erie Ambassador for almost four years, explained that the Ambassadors help businesses and organizations to host events, and they welcome new residents and guests to the area, acting as stewards for the Erie region. “The Ambassadors are a no-cost resource for businesses in the area,” she said. “The program itself is fantastic. It opens your eyes to the hidden treasures of the region.” Along with programs like the Erie Ambassadors, the many committees that make up the ERCGP also provide a valuable service to businesses. For example, the newly formed Legislative Review Committee works to create the best business climate for regional businesses to thrive, grow and expand by monitoring local, regional, state and federal legislative issues that may positively or negatively impact business. (continued next page) 13
“The committee gives business leaders the opportunity to work collectively with elected officials and find common ground on issues to provide a good business climate,” explained committee member Tim Hunter, president and CEO of McInnes Rolled Rings, a gold-level investor. “It provides a venue for businesses to get together and express one voice on issues, which is much more effective than one company acting by itself. It also gives the legislators a very clear view on how businesses are responding to certain issues.”
The Chamber is a perfect vehicle to support, since its mission is supporting all of us.
Business supporting business to bolster the regional economy seems to be at the core of an investment in the ERCGP. “We do not manufacture a product but provide services in our region, so a healthy economy in all sectors, whether it’s manufacturing, tourism, or healthcare, are necessary to our success,” said Naughton, who’s celebrating J.H. Bennett’s 95th year of business in 2009. “This region has been very good to our businesses over the years and it is the responsibility of all companies to give back when possible. The Chamber is a perfect vehicle to support, since its mission is supporting all of us.”
Though the group was just formed in late 2008, it has already been involved with several issues, including the Employee Free Choice Act, the M-2 Heavy Manufacturing Zoning Ordinance, and the Continuous Emissions Monitoring System Ordinance (CEMS). “An investment in the Chamber is an investment in a combined effort and vision for greater economic development and a stronger community as a whole,” said Hunter. “You’re doing something as a group that you’d never be able to do one your own. I’d encourage any business to get involved and help to determine that direction and vision.”
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Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership Additional Sponsors Nearly 250 golfers enjoyed Peek’n Peak’s beautiful courses
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GOLF SHIRT SPONSOR Office Depot BEVERAGE CART SPONSORS Advertising Advantage Fast Signs Northwest Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NWIRC) SNACK CART SPONSORS Buffalo Wild Wings Enterprise Rent-A-Car PUTTING GREEN SPONSORS Career Concepts Staff Services Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel HOLE SPONSORS Business Records Management Citizens Bank Custom Engineering Company Economic Development Corp. of Erie Electronic Communications Services First National Bank of Pennsylvania Gary Miller Dodge Mazda Grise Audio Visual Center Hagan Business Machines Iadeluca Chiropractic Center Insurance Management Company “The Bloomstine’s” Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett Lake Erie Biofuels Marquette Savings Bank McInnes Rolled Rings Modern Industries Ray Showman Jr. Excavating River of Life Chiropractic Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel Yardmaster of Pennsylvania PREMIUM PRIZE DONATIONS National Fuel Marquette Savings Bank Presbyterian Homes Peek’n Peak Scott Enterprises Adcom/Optiem Communications La Grand Elite Limousine SPECIAL THANKS ChamberChoice Erie Beer Company Erie Water Works GFS Marketplace Glenwood Beer Distributors The Regional Cancer Center
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