ERIE Magazine | December 2011

eriepa.com

December 2011

Our Region’s Youth Living Proof Boys & Girls Club of Erie Teaches Youth to Succeed

There’s No Place Like Erie An Erie family’s global story shows we may have the best city in the world to raise a family.

Seeds of Success The Grow Up Great initiative from PNC prepares the youngest learners to go far in school — and in life

2012

Save The Dates

ERCGP Signature Events

“I’m living proof that the Boys & Girls Clubs work.”

- Denzel Washington “These days, the streets are 100 times more dangerous than they were when I was growing up,” Denzel Washington, Boys & Girls Clubs spokesman says. “Now it’s more important than ever for adults to provide safe havens for kids.” That’s why Washington recently donated $1 million to help refurbish his boyhood club in Mount Vernon. And it’s the reason he has carved so much time out of his schedule to serve as the organization’s spokesman for the last 20 years. “I’m living proof that the Boys & Girls Clubs work,” Washington says.

“My dad had a good role model when he was growing up and so did I,” says John David, Washington’s son. Lessons learned at the Boys & Girls Clubs are passed from generation to generation, like family heirlooms.

Reprinted with permission from Parade ©2006. All rights reserved.

Boys & Girls Club of Erie 2010 Youth of the Year Award Recipient Remarks By: Peter Jackson It’s been a long and often difficult journey to be where I am today, and I would not have made it without my Boys & Girls Club. It’s a journey that’s taken a decade to complete.

Board of Directors Peter Balmert John J. Barber Dr. Donald L. Birx John Bloomstine Carl Carlotti Terrence Cavanaugh Rosanne Cheeseman Gary L. Clark Joel Deuterman Mary L. Eckert Thomas C. Hoffman Timothy Hunter Thomas Kennedy Charles G. Knight John P. Leemhuis John T. Malone James W. Martin

James E. Martin, Chair Michael P. Martin Marlene D. Mosco Jack A. Munch David Poor James Rutkowski Jr. Matthew Schultz Nick Scott Jr. John Skory Ronald A. Steele Noreen A. Stegkamper David M. Tullio Russell S. Warner Michael Weber Thomas J. Wedzik Scott Whalen R. Jason Wieczorek

President/CEO Barbara C. Chaffee

Vice President, Chamber Claudia K. Thornburg

It began when I was 8 years old, and both my parents were arrested and charged with 33 counts of burglary and sent to prison. That began a journey in which I moved from foster home to foster home – ten foster homes in ten years – and eight different schools. That’s a lot of moving, a lot of instability and a lot of uncertainty for a child to take.

In a very real sense, I didn’t have a home until I joined the Boys & Girls Club.

From the very first day, the staff, the other kids and the volunteers all opened up their arms to me. Especially the staff, they welcomed me, talked to me, coached me and advised me and from time to time, disciplined me.

“When I was down, they picked me up.”

When you’re always on the move, one family this year, another the next, you never get that real connection. You never get that sense that somebody, anybody, really cares.

I got that sense early and often at the Club, and it soon became my home away from home. I never doubted for a moment that it was not a place where I truly belonged.

At the Club, I was able to see my older sister who was in a different foster home.

I could have fun at the Club and forget the negative things in my life. I went to Homework Help and played games in the game room. I played basketball and flag

Vice President, Economic Development Jacob A. Rouch

Vice President, Growth Partnership Mary C. Bula

football. The Club allowed me to find a sense of purpose as a Jr. Staff Volunteer.

I helped out with the younger Club members and worked on some community service projects.

Then, just as I had almost lost hope that I would ever be adopted, I was placed with a caring family that wanted to adopt me.

But, as much as I wanted to end the unsettled life I was leading, I would not agree to the adoption unless my adoptive family agreed to adopt my younger brother as well; which to my great good fortune, they agreed to do.

In my junior year at Fairview High School, I was captain of my football team, wrestled, ran track and made plans to attend culinary school after graduation. I graduated from Fairview High School in 2011.

Staff Joelyn J. Bush, Director of Marketing & Communications Sara Harris, Sales Executive Leslie Orlando, Account Executive Melanie A. Johnson, Erie Business Action Team Coordinator Doug M. Massey, Workforce Development Coordinator-Training Cathy Noble, Events Coordinator Benjamin C. Pratt, Director of Research Linda Robbins, Accountant Susan M. Ronto, Membership Coordinator

Editor Joelyn J. Bush

Contributing Writers Erika Howland Amanda Prischak Mark Toriski

Design Bensur Creative Marketing Group

I enrolled in Culinary Arts School in Pittsburgh, and when I reflect on the journey I’ve been on, I realize I owe a debt of gratitude to my Boys & Girls Club and the wonderful people there, kids and staff alike.

When I was down, they picked me up.

When I didn’t think I could go on, they instilled in me the courage to continue.

They taught me not just how to succeed, but how to live.

For Advertising Information: Leslie Orlando, Account Executive (814) 454-7191 x 139 lorlando@eriepa.com

Our Region’s Youth

6

Living Proof Boys & Girls Club of Erie Teaches Youth How to Succeed

by Erika Howland Drawing by Deven Tate, Age 9

ERIE Magazine

| December 2011

after hours

what’s inside 2-4

New Investors

6-9

Living Proof Boys & Girls Club of Erie Teaches Youth How to Succeed

12-15

There’s No Place Like Erie An Erie family’s global story shows we may have the best city in the world to raise a family.

18-20

We look forward to seeing you at these networking events for Chamber investors.

Seeds of Success The Grow Up Great initiative from PNC prepares the youngest learners to go far in school—and in life

January 19 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Tom Ridge Environmental Center 301 Peninsula Drive | Erie, PA

February 16 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Frankie & May Fresh Grocer 1101 Peninsula Drive | Erie, PA

March 15 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Latino’s Restaurant 1315 Parade Street | Erie, PA

Please RSVP to the Chamber at (814) 454-7191 x 146 or cnoble@eriepa.com

1

New Investors BRONZE INVESTOR

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

Welcome Bronze Investors Champion Bolt Corp.

Worldwide distribution of fasteners.

Mr. David Ott Box 6291 | Erie, PA 16512 | (814) 454-2721

Lowe’s of Erie Home improvement super store. Lowe’s never stops improving.

Mr. Carmine Petecca 1930 Keystone Drive | Erie, PA 16509 | (814) 864-2800

PROUD INVESTOR

Welcome Proud Investors Aflac Consults with companies on their current benefits package and helps with planning, creating, and fulfilling the needs of both the business and the individual.

Mr. Andrew Powell 2403 West 26th Street | Erie, PA 16506 | (814) 440-6146 Altman Hall Associates A business-to-business marketing communications agency, founded in 1955. Develop integrated marketing plans with a measurable and expected ROI. Clients cover the spectrum of industry, including electronics, material handling, transportation, gas exploration and distribution, off-highway equipment, construction, metalworking and processing.

Mr. Tim Glass 235 West 7th Street | Erie, PA 16501-1601 | (814) 454-0158 Best Buy Mobile Cell phone and tablet specialty store. Sells Verzion, AT&T and Sprint cell phones and service. Also carries the iPad, Android tablets, iPods and laptops. Non-commissioned sales.

Contemporary Motorcar Established in 1993, Contemporary Motorcar is Erie PA’s premier automobile dealership representing Mercedes-Benz, Acura and Mazda automobiles with new, certified, and pre-owned automobiles available to satisfy any need.

Mr. Michael Wiest 4910 Peach Street | Erie, PA 16509-2012 | (814) 868-8622 D & E Machining Inc. Contract CNC Machining.

Mr. Jeffrey J. Sawicki 150 Industrial Drive | Corry, PA 16407 | (814) 664-3531 Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority A grant-making organization, ECGRA’s mission is to empower the nonprofit sector toward economic and community development. Since February 2008, ECGRA has invested more than $12.6 million in Erie County.

Learn where the money goes by visiting ECGRA.org and ErieUChoose.com.

Mr. Joel Tranco 275 Millcreek Mall | Erie, PA 16565 | (814) 868-2893

Mr. Perry Wood 5240 Knowledge Parkway, Suite A | Erie, PA 16510 (814) 897-2690

Children’s Advocacy Center of Erie County, Inc. The CAC is a 501 (c)(2) nonprofit that responds to cases of child abuse and neglect through a multidisciplinary team approach, provides a child-friendly environment for an unbiased, professional interview; and links victims to available community resources.

Franco’s Cafe Cafe featuring a salad bar, soups, Panini’s, sandwiches and pre-made salads, coffee, sodas and espresso drinks. Gift cards available.

Mr. Michael T. Gaines 2005 West 8th Street, Suite 103 | Erie, PA 16505 (814) 451-0202

2

Mr. Larry Franco 1001 State Street, Suite 106 | Erie, PA 16501 | (814) 455-8008

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 PA R T N E R S H I P

New Investors continued.

Our Online Resources Are Just A Click Away.

eriepa.com

tapintoerie.com

Frankie and May Fresh Grocer A new and unique fresh grocer in Erie. Provides customers with high quality food with a focus on service, combined with the convenience of a super market.

Ms. Christine Grady 1101 Peninsula Drive, Suite208 | Erie, PA 16505 (814) 836-0070 Generatorpros/Shepp Electric Co., Inc. Specializing in complete installations and warranty service for Generac Power Systems. Generac’s leading “Elite” dealer for 20 years with over 1,200 systems.

Mr. Craig Shepp P.O. Box 1385 | Meadville, PA 16335 | (877) 423-9010

takeactionerie.com

Junior League of Erie, Inc. Volunteer organization of approximately 50 active women. We are a non-profit organization with a mission of developing women as civic leaders while making positive change in the community.

Ms. Trisha Ackerman 127 West 6th Street | Erie, PA 16501 | (814) 455-0222

takttriangle.com

Kraus Promotional Products Promotional Products.

Ms. Susan LaSota, WBE - PA/NY 2225 Colonial Avenue, Suite 201 | Erie, PA 16506 | (814) 833-3838

Like us on Facebook

eriepa.com

Follow us on Twitter

Join our ERCGP Linkedin Group

NEW INVESTORS

3

PROUD INVESTOR

New Investors continued.

Mr. Graham C. Parsons, III 2501 Palermo Drive, Suite C | Erie, PA 16506 (814) 459-7071 Perry Screw Machine Company Inc. Contract machining of sub-assembly components.

Mr. Michael Dill 1043 East 20th Street | Erie, PA 16503-2396 (814) 455-8049 PostNet Offering printing and finishing, full and self-serve copies, graphic design, internet access, computer rental stations, shipping, FedEx/UPS/DHL shipping, USPS mailing services, expert packaging services, boxes and packaging supplies. Fax services, office supplies and notary.

Mr. TJ Dolan 3330 West 26th Street, Suite 4 | Erie, PA 16506 (814) 838-3165 Power Savers Solutions Turn key energy management company that offers a portfolio of energy optimization equipment designed to reduce energy costs and increase operational efficiency.

Mr. Del Caryl 316 Cherry Street | Erie, PA 16507 | (814) 806-2235

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

LPL Financial Investment management and retirement planning to build, protect, and transfer wealth.

Currently manage $171,000,000 for more than 300 individuals and corporations.

4

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 PA R T N E R S H I P

eriepa.com

5

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

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 PA R T N E R S H I P

Living Proof Boys & Girls Club of Erie Teaches Youth to Succeed

Plagued by years of funding cuts, local social service organizations struggle each year to justify their need and place in the community. It can be hard for those handing out the funds to know which groups are helping and which ones aren’t.

But at the Boys & Girls Club of Erie, you don’t have to look any further than the current roster of staff members to see results. Current Executive Director Al Messina is just one of many staffers who started out visiting the Club as a child and decided to make the organization their life’s work. “I can remember as a child going to alumni picnics when I was just four or five,” says Messina. “My father and all his siblings were members and eventually so was I. With that much history I grew a very deep affection for this organization. It’s just so important what we do here.”

Now in its 116th year in the Erie community, the Boys & Girls Club continues a tradition of providing a safe haven for kids while working to build character and citizenship for the area’s more disadvantaged youth. The organization is founded on six pillars including the arts, character and leadership, guidance and education, health and life skills, social recreation, and sports and fitness. “We try to do two things,” explains Messina. “One is we try to forge relationships between adults and the kids. We have stayed true to what we were about in the beginning. The fundamental platform is mentoring and discovering their talents. We try to find a kid’s talent and interests and try to nurture that. We believe if you do that, kids will succeed.”

It’s a mission that can be difficult with the staggering statistics facing the staff at the Boys & Girls Club. According to Messina, nine out of ten children who visit the Club live at or

eriepa.com

|

By Erika Howland

“We really try to provide a safe place for these kids to make positive decisions. Their lives are so stressed and so difficult today.” below the poverty line. “The breakdown of the family is critical today. Almost all the kids we see only have one parent with multiple children. Even if you’re extraordinarily talented, it’s still a struggle. But you add to that drug problems, multiple jobs and a lack of education and that presents a huge problem.” With help from Project Intercept, the Boys & Girls Club is hoping to prevent these trends with the kids they help.

In 2010, 98% of the kids involved in the program avoided the juvenile system or being placed in another home. “A lot of these kids are good kids, but they have bad influences in their life,” says Messina. “We really try to provide a safe place for these kids to make positive decisions. Their lives are so stressed and so difficult today.”

In an attempt to reach children at an even earlier age, the Boys & Girls Club began a pre-school program a few years back. With 28 students enrolled now, they are building a waiting list of kids looking for an early leg up. In 2010, the program graduated 14 four-year-olds who met proficiency in all seven areas related to kindergarten readiness. “This is a pretty striking statistic,” says Messina. “Most kids living in poverty will not arrive to school kindergarten ready. They get off track quickly and it’s hard to get them back on track if you

LIVING PROOF

3 7

article continued.

In the past few years, several local community partners like GE Transportation, a Diamond level investor with the ERCGP, have stepped up their efforts to support the Club. The Bid for Kids auction organized by employees at GE brought in $40,000 in much needed money to the Boys & Girls Club in 2010. Just this year, Burger King, an investor with the ERCGP, donated another $10,000 to the Club’s cause.

Other organizations like Erie Insurance, a Platinum level investor with the ERCGP, have also helped along the way, making it that much easier for the Club to help those in need. “It is absolutely vital to our organization to receive support from these agencies,” explains Messina.

“We know they want to help as many organizations as they can, so it’s difficult.

But it’s their generosity that often helps keep us going.” On average $875 a year is spent per child allowing just for the basics.

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

don’t start early.” But with nearly 1000 kids that have come regularly to the Club over the past few years, the staff realizes they have their work cut out for them.

And while the need to expand their services is definitely there, sometimes the funding is not.

8

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 PA R T N E R S H I P

Unfortunately Messina believes it would take nearly twice that to be able to reach more kids. But despite funding cuts and a growing need for services, kids are in fact getting help through the efforts of the Boys & Girls Club.

What the Club Did for Me …

With a return rate of nearly 85% each year, many of the kids continue on with the organization long after they are done receiving help. Throughout each year, the Club seeks to recognize these outstanding youth who exemplify leadership and service both in school and their community with one being honored as Youth of the Year. For Messina and other Boys & Girls Club staff members, the 2010 honoree Peter Jackson is a solid reminder their work does matter. From a child who lived in ten different foster homes to a now high school graduate attending culinary school, Jackson beat the odds, something he might not have been able to do without the Club. “His story breaks my heart,” says Messina. “He overcame some major obstacles, but he made it. Certainly this experience isn’t life changing for every kid, but we are making a difference in the lives of so many. Peter’s story helps renew our faith in what we’re doing and renews that sense of commitment and affection for this tremendous organization.” b

“In the South Bronx, there were thousands of families living in close proximity and many opportunities to get into trouble. One way to avoid the negative influences was the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club.”

Peter’s story can be found on the inside front cover of this issue.

“The Boys & Girls Club gave me my first place to swim. When I was 5, the club was the only place that would accept me.”

Boys & Girls Club of Erie www.bgcerie.org

- Jennifer Lopez, actress/singer

“I grew up in federally subsidized housing, and the club was an anchor. I get emotional remembering how important it was to me. It provided me with aspiration.”

- Howard Schultz, chairman of Starbucks

- Brooke Bennett, three-time Olympic gold medal-winner swimmer

Happy Holidays

from your friends at

Printing Concepts

“I’m a testament that all every kid really needs is for someone to say, ‘Hey, what do you want to do?’ The Challenger Boys & Girls Club has had a positive effect on thousands of young people in South Central Los Angeles.”

“What attracted me was the baseball program.

My greatest memory was pitching two no-hitters.

The club locked in the important of character – being competitive but competing fairly and respecting others.”

Contact PCI for more info QR Code

4982 Pacific Avenue Erie, PA 16506

eriepa.com

- John Singleton, Oscar-nominated director

814-833-8080 800-540-7805

- Bernard Shaw, former CNN anchor

Reprinted with permission from Parade ©2006. All rights reserved.

LIVING PROOF

39

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 PA R T N E R S H I P

eriepa.com

11

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

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 PA R T N E R S H I P

There’s No Place Like Erie An Erie family’s global story shows we may have the best city in the world to raise a family.

For Dan and Sue Zimmerman there was never a question of where home was, no matter what part of the globe they were currently occupying. Dan, who is the Director of Business Development for Eriez Magnetics, an investor with the ERCGP, and Sue are devout Erieites. Both were born and raised in the city and now feel they are blessed to have the opportunity to raise their six children, aged between 5 and 13, in the same community.

But it was an opportunity that did not always present itself to the Zimmermans, as the early years of their marriage saw them moving across the globe for Dan’s former job – something they consider a wonderful experience that helped strengthen them as a family but also left them realizing where they truly belonged. “I think in our hearts, we were always drawn to Erie,” says Dan from the living room of his family’s home in the Frontier Park neighborhood. Sue nods in agreement, adding, “We always called Erie home, no matter where we were…

And once we moved back, things felt complete. There was peace.” The couple married in 1996, soon after Dan received a job assignment in Moscow, leaving the couple to spend the first two-and-a-half years as husband and wife – what many consider some of the most crucial to the success of a marriage – alone in an unfamiliar place. “In hindsight that was probably the best thing we could’ve done,” reveals Dan. “It really strengthened our relationship in those first years of marriage.” Sue adds, “You are really dependent on each other.

There are no friends or family influences. If you are challenged with each other, you work it out.”

|

By Mark Toriski

While living in Russia, Dan and Sue discovered they were expecting their first child. They returned to Erie to give birth and began plans to move to Germany (which was part of the plan with Dan’s employment). In a little over two months, Dan and Sue were first-time parents and moving to a new international locale. “Germany had a small town environment,” states Dan. “We lived in a small town outside Frankfurt, with a market square and everything was within walking distance.”

Sue adds, “What was very nice was everything was closed on Sundays – and this took some getting used to. We weren’t even allowed to mow our lawns. It was a day of rest and when we moved back to the States we thought that’s something we should try to hold in our hearts.”

“We always called Erie home, no matter where we were… And once we moved back, things felt complete. There was peace.”

While in Germany, Dan and Sue welcomed two more children.

They stayed for several years before making a move back to the United States, settling in Greensburg, Pennsylvania (located roughly 30 miles east of Pittsburgh) and having another two children. “I thought I would just have two kids,” says Sue of her large family, “but God had another plan.” Though back in the

3Zimmerman Family - Photo Courtesy of Lorei Portraits

eriepa.com

THERE’S NO PL ACE LIKE ERIE

13

article continued.

After much searching, the opportunity presented itself by way of Eriez Magnetics, the Erie-headquartered manufacturer who serves as the world authority in advanced technology for magnetic, vibratory, and inspection system applications. Dan and Sue came home in 2004 after he accepted a position with Eriez and soon saw they were gaining a whole new family. “Eriez is a very solid, family-oriented company.

They have been for their entire history and that is a tribute to [Eriez founders] the Merwin family. They’ve instituted that culture within the company and it remains to this day. Early on it became clear that it was going to be a good fit for our family – not just another job.”

Dan and Sue have now been back in the city they know and love with their children longer than they lived in all other locales combined. They still marvel at the myriad of opportunities that Erie presents for a family. “Erie is so accessible,” says Dan. “Everything is close and the amenities we have are just as nice as those of any major metropolitan area and they are so much easier to participate in. I don’t know if other regions have that to the extent we do, but we weren’t exposed to it in the areas we lived.” Sue adds, “Even if you only have 20 minutes, you can run to the Erie Zoo, Presque Isle State Park or the ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum [all investors with the ERCGP]... we have outdoor music here in the summers and always a nice selection too. We rode our bikes to the Bayfront for 8 Great Tuesdays. A couple of our kids are involved in plays at the Erie Playhouse’s Youtheatre [ERCGP investor] and the Saint

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

United States, and with their family continuing to grow, the Zimmermans still felt something was amiss in their lives. “We were living in Greensburg for two years and we still didn’t feel settled,” says Dan. “We started talking about what was missing and it always came back to home; once we realized we wanted to raise our family in Erie, the focus became how do we get back to Erie?”

14

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 PA R T N E R S H I P

Boniface Players and we were able to expose our kids to music through the Erie Philharmonic…There’s a variety of activities for whatever gifts your child has.”

But the Zimmerman’s favorite aspect of Erie, the one they adore the most, is that Erie is home. “One thing we really enjoy about Erie are the roots we have here and the familiarity. Even where we live now – it’s a neighborhood. We know each other and the kids can ride their bikes and play throughout the neighborhood. You aren’t anonymous, and there’s a lot of comfort in that,” says Dan. “Where we came from, everyone was making play dates. People were so scheduled. Here, our kids just get outside and have some good old-fashioned fun.”

“Living all around the world was a great experience. We were fortunate enough to be able to explore and have those experiences as a young couple and family. But then we were ready to come back to Erie. It really is a great place to raise a family. I tell people out of everywhere we’ve lived this is the best city in the world. I’m happy to call Erie home.” b

Eriez Magnetics www.eriez.com

Sue adds, “Before we came back, I remember saying, as a little girl I would ride my bike to my grandmother’s to visit and play games. Those were fond memories, and I wanted my kids to have that. People thought that’s just not the world today.

I thought it should be. And now, my kids ride their bikes to their grandmother’s to practice the piano.” She continues,

eriepa.com

THERE’S NO PL ACE LIKE ERIE

15

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 PA R T N E R S H I P

eriepa.com

17

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

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 PA R T N E R S H I P

Seeds of Success The Grow Up Great initiative from PNC prepares the youngest learners to go far in school—and in life

Despite the fact that research unequivocally shows that the most critical learning period of a child’s life occurs between birth and age five—and that there is a return to society of $4 to $16 for each dollar spent on education programs for low-income youth—many children lack access to quality preschool programs.

Eager to do something about this problem, The PNC Financial Services Group, a Platinum level investor with the ERCGP, launched a 10-year, $100 million early childhood education initiative in 2004 called Grow Up Great. Today, this company-wide effort that targets at-risk kids ages five and under has benefited more than one million children through an array of innovative programming created by nonprofit partners that include Sesame Workshop, The Fred Rogers Company and the National Head Start Association. In addition, PNC grants have provided more than 75,000 preschool teachers with professional training.

In PNC’s 13-county northwestern Pennsylvania market, the effort translates into $1 million in annual grants, partnerships with 28 nonprofit organizations and school districts, and much more.

“So far, approximately 4,500 children have benefited from Grow Up Great in our market,” says Marlene Mosco, PNC regional president for Northwest Pennsylvania. “Our employee drive alone collected 9,913 books, school supplies, clothing items and toys for needy children.”

|

By Amanda Prischak

Collection drives are just one in a long list of ways in which Grow Up Great helps youngsters. Some of the initiative’s innovative efforts include: • “Growing Up Together Under One Big Sky” traveling planetarium, which visits schools; distributing free Sesame Street multimedia kits that teach kids about the value of money, the natural world, math and more; • The traveling exhibit known as the Mobile Learning Adventure that teaches parents and caregivers about the importance of early childhood education while their children engage in interactive games and crafts and explore future career possibilities by dressing up as different types of professionals; • Grants to nonprofit organizations that work to directly improve children’s school readiness

One of more than 250 regional nonprofits that receives grant money through Grow Up Great is the Barber National Institute, a Gold level investor with the ERCGP. Maureen Barber-Carey, who serves as the Executive Vice President of the organization and sits on the Grow Up Great Advisory Council, praises the initiative’s vision. “We have a tremendous amount of research showing that children who participate in high-quality preschool programs have a lower dropout rate, strive toward higher vocational aspirations, and contribute to society later in life,” she says. “PNC’s approach provides a model for the future.”

3Operation Warm Up: L-R - John Popoff, Director of Operations, Boys & Girls Club of Erie, Marlene Mosco, PNC Regional President, Sister Diane Rabe, Director, Migrant Head Start Program, & Jill Varner, Education Coordinator

eriepa.com

SEEDS OF SUCCESS

19

article continued.

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

In addition to a focus on young learners, Grow Up Great also reaches out to children for whom English is a second language. Educational materials come in Spanish and sometimes even Chinese while efforts are made to work with organizations that serve immigrant populations.

“One of our most active partnerships is with the Migrant Head Start program run by the Sisters of St. Benedict for the children of migrant workers,” says Mosco.

“We provided a grant that taught bilingual teachers how to teach math to preschool kids and worked with Mercyhurst College, a Gold level investor with the ERCGP to Marlene and Oscar The Grouch enjoy the new Hamot Women’s Hospital Preschool Playroom, provided through provideadditional materials and a grant from PNC Foundation. instruction to teachers.” PNC Bank employees have also helped organize collection drives for the program and set up gardens that grew ingredients for the kids’ pizza parties.

“Over the past five years, PNC Bank has provided financial support and learning activities in the areas of science, math and nutrition for the children of our Center,” says Sr. Diane Rabe, director of the Saint Benedict Center Child Development Program. “Partnering with PNC had been a blessing for the children, staff and families here.”

Integral to the success of Grow Up Great is PNC Bank employees’ active participation.

PNC not only gives each employee 40 hours to volunteer during work hours— they also donate $1,000 to an employee’s charity of choice once he or she satisfies the 40-hour requirement. “Each April, when the Week of the Young Child takes place, we plan specific events and activities to encourage employees to participate,” says Mosco. “As of September 30, 2011, Erie-based PNC Bank employees have logged 4,926 volunteer hours.”

There are likely to be many more opportunities for company-wide participation in light of the fact that PNC recently extended Grow Up Great by $250 million over an additional 10 years. And things in Erie are just as promising, with the company set to present a $50,000 grant to the Erie School District, a Silver level investor with the ERCGP, in order to provide financial literacy education programs to preschoolers and to train teachers on how to incorporate financial concepts into their lessons. “The results of Grow Up Great are incredible, and the community is so encouraged by them,” says Mosco. b

PNC - Grow Up Great www.pncgrowupgreat.com Marlene Mosco reads to a group of Preschool Children at the Titusville Early Learning Center where PNC presented a $25,000 grant for financial literacy to the school district.

20

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 PA R T N E R S H I P

eriepa.com

21 3

2011 Annual Meeting

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 PA R T N E R S H I P

eriepa.com

23

24

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT #298 Erie PA

208 East Bayfront Parkway Suite 100 Erie, PA 16507

New to the ERCGP? Never advertised in this exceptional publication?

Scan this code for a special offer.

Or contact our new Account Executive, Leslie Orlando at lorlando@eriepa.com or 814-454-7191 x139