AUG/SEPT 2013
Voyages of Discovery
The U.S. Brig Niagara hosts young hands and scientific pioneers.
Fighting for the Place We Call Home Great Lakes states join forces to drive a strong agenda.
A Good Catch
How aquaculture might just be Erie’s next growth industry.
Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership
eriepa.com
2013 ERCGP Board of Directors Donald Birx, Ph.D. Robert Mazza John Bloomstine Marlene D. Mosco Carl M. Carlotti Jack A. Munch Terrence Cavanaugh Neil Parham Rosanne Cheeseman James W. Riley Gary L. Clark James Rutkowski, Jr. John Dill Matthew Schultz Mary L. Eckert Nicholas Scott, Jr. Scott Eighmy Gretchen Seth Jeffrey Evans, CFP Ronald A. Steele James Fiorenzo Keith Taylor, Ph.D. Barbara Haggerty David Tullio Thomas C. Hoffman II Russell S. Warner Timothy Hunter Michael Weber Charles G. Knight Scott A. Whalen, Ph.D. John P. Leemhuis, Jr. Mary Beth Wilcher Marsha Marsh Julie Wollman, Ph.D James E. Martin, Chair Scott Wyman
SAVE THE DATE
Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership Upcoming Signature Events
9-25 11-7
Fall Member Fest
September 25 Shades Beach – Harborcreek
Annual Meeting
November 7 Ambassador Conference Center
2013 ERCGP Staff Barbara C. Chaffee President/CEO Jacob A. Rouch Vice President, Economic Development
Douglas M. Massey Manager, Erie Business Action Team Cathy Noble Events Coordinator
Claudia K. Thornburg Vice President, Chamber
Benjamin C. Pratt Director of Research
Linda C. Robbins Financial Officer
Susan M. Ronto Membership Coordinator
Joelyn J. Bush Director of Marketing & Communications
Nadeen M. Steffey Account Executive
Sabrina Chirco Economic and Workforce Development Specialist Editor Joelyn J. Bush Contributing Writers Mary Birdsong Lori Nikolishen John Chacona Design PAPA Advertising PAPAadvertising.com Advertising Information: Nadeen Steffey, Account Executive (814) 454.7191 x139 nsteffey@eriepa.com
Erie Magazine AUG/SEPT 2013
What’s Inside Professional Perspective 2 New Investors 4 FE ature Articles Voyages of Discovery 15 By Mary Birdsong Fighting for the Place We Call Home By Lori Nikolishen
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A Good Catch 25 By John Chacona
IN each issue Organizational Updates 6 Chamber Economic Development Growth Partnership Consistent Feature 13 HEALTH: Testing the waters at the LECOM Medical Fitness and Wellness Center: The healing power of aquatic exercise and hydrotherapy Regional Initiative Updates 18 Destination Erie: The Next Steps Erie Vital Signs: Water is a Key Erie Vital Sign
Follow, Fan, Tag, Connect…
Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership
Professional Perspective
by Shawn Waskiewicz, Executive Director, Flagship Niagara League In many ways, water can be seen as the defining resource of our region. The Great Lakes represent the world’s second largest reserve of fresh water only after the polar ice caps. They are also a unique and beautiful ecosystem, harboring diverse species. In terms of historic and cultural development, water was key. Water has historically been the fastest, cheapest and most efficient way to travel – oceans, lakes, and seas were the world’s highways for thousands of years. The most efficient way to ship bulk cargo is still by sea. Historically, the Great Lakes region has depended on lake shipping; almost all of our major cities are port cities. The manufacturing economy of the Steel Belt in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries was built on lake shipping, as the Great Lakes provided the means for bringing together iron ore from Minnesota and Wisconsin and coal and limestone from New York and Pennsylvania, the three main ingredients in the steel-making process. Going forward into the twenty-first century, Erie and the Great Lakes region are moving away from heavy industry, but the lakes still define us. Arguably the two most recognizable symbols of Erie are the Brig Niagara and Presque Isle, two emblems of Erie’s interdependence with our Inland Seas. Pennsylvania’s “official flagship,” the U.S. Brig Niagara, is a wooden-hulled brig that served as the relief ship for Oliver Hazard Perry in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. She’s owned by PHMC (Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission) while under the management of Flagship Niagara League. FNL’s mission is to preserve and interpret maritime heritage through the U.S. Brig Niagara sail training experience and the programs, exhibits and collections of the Erie Maritime Museum. Niagara is docked behind the Erie Maritime Museum. During the sailing season, you can find her somewhere in the Great Lakes. This summer she will have sailed over 7,500 nautical miles while attending nine port festivals. Destinations include Canadian (Toronto, Hamilton, Sault Ste. Marie and Penetanguishene) and US (Bay City, Duluth, Chicago, Green Bay, and Put-In-Bay) ports.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
As we commemorate the 200th anniversary of The Battle of Lake Erie, final preparations are being made for Tall Ships Erie 2013, presented by Highmark and Perry 200. Tall Ships will kick-off with the Parade of Sail on Thursday, September 5th. General admission hours are Friday, 2:30–6:00 p.m., and Saturday/Sunday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Nine ships from three countries will embark on Erie’s bayfront. U.S. vessels include Erie’s own Niagara, Unicorn (all female crew from Bridgeport, Connecticut), Pride of Baltimore II, Lynx, Peacemaker, Appledore IV, and Friends Good Will. St. Lawrence II will be in attendance from Ontario, Canada. Sorlandet will be furthest away from home, as her home port is in Norway. This is her first time coming back into the Great Lakes since Chicago’s World Fair in 1933. The Flagship Niagara League is honored to be hosting this event. A number of local nonprofits will also play a role during this weekend. A few highlights include The Erie Playhouse as they conduct special performances geared towards children, Junior Philharmonic playing music, and the Erie Zoo will be hosting educational lectures. As a boy growing up in Harborcreek, PA, I loved going to the beach and being on the water. I remember watching Niagara sail on Lake Erie while everyone land-side simply “paused” in amazement as she went by. She was not only Erie’s “flagship,” but the ambassador of The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Although I’ve lived in three different cities during my professional career, I always seemed to find my way back to Erie. Being Executive Director of The Flagship Niagara League and chairman of Tall Ships Erie 2013 is such as an honor, especially during this historic season. In 2010, an estimated 32,000 visitors attended with an economic impact to local Erie Businesses over $3.6 million. This year’s festival will attract over 60,000 visitors with an economic impact over $6.5 million pumped into our local economy. What a great economic boost to our “Flagship” city! Erie is truly a great place to live and work. When we all work together, great things can be accomplished. I hope to see you at our festival as we show off our city for four great days.
Water In Our Region
www.StMarysHome.org
Saint Mary’s East 607 East 26th Street Erie, PA 16504 PH: (814) 459-0621
Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge 4855 West Ridge Road Erie, PA 16506 PH: (814) 836-5316
A sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania.
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Join us for the Erie Regional Chamber 2013 Fest Fall Member Join us for the Join us for the
2013 Fall
Erie Regional Erie Chamber Regional Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013 Chamber 2012Beach Fall Member 2012Pavilion Fall Fest Member Fest Shades Park
Wednesday, Sept. Wednesday, 26, 2012Sept. 26, 2012 East Lake Rd 7000 Shades Beach Park Pavilion Shades Beach Park Pavilion 7000 East Lake Road,7000 Harborcreek East Lake Road, Harborcreek
Harborcreek
4 pm – 9 pm 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Tickets: $100 (tax and Tickets: gratuity $100 included) (tax and gratuity included) Space is limited. Space is limited. Order your tickets online: Order your tickets online: www.eriepa.com/fallmemberfest www.eriepa.com/fallmemberfest
Tickets: $100
Forgratuity information: Cathy ForNoble information: Cathy Noble (tax and included) cnoble@eriepa.com cnoble@eriepa.com
454-7191, ext. 146 (814) 454-7191, ext. 146 Space(814) is limited. Order your tickets online: www.eriepa.com/fallmemberfest Live Entertainment Live Entertainment Premium Wines and Craft Premium Beer Wines and Craft Beer
For information: CathyDelicious Noble Menu Delicious Menu cnoble@eriepa.com (814) 454-7191, ext. 146 • Event Sponsors Event Sponsors Event Sponsors
eriepa.com
Member Fest Live entertainment , a delicious menu, premium wines and craft beer !
Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership
New Investors B RONZE LEVEL
Home Instead Senior Care
Affordable solutions for seniors who need assistance with meal preparation, medication reminders, housekeeping, personal care, errands and transportation. Mr. Bob Cunningham 3910 Caughey Road / Suite 220 / Erie, PA 16506 (814) 464-9200 / www.homeinstead.com/eriepa
Muirfield Energy
Our consultants believe that your energy strategy should fit your business environment and long-term goals. Mr. Jim DiSanti 425 Metro Place North / Suite 550 / Dublin, OH 43017 (888) 580-1548 / www.muirfieldenergy.com
Paws ‘N Claws PlayCare and Styling S’paw
INVES TOR LEVEL
Doggie daycare, bathing and styling s’paw pet product boutique, dog training classes.
Business consulting and educational services.
Mr. Robert K. Tuznic 1530 West 26th Street / Suite 1 / Erie, PA 16508 (814) 456-7297 / www.pawsnclawspetresort.com
Gannon University Small Business Development Center Ms. Maggie Horne 120 West 9th Street / Erie, PA 16501 (814) 871-5782 / www.sbdcgannon.org
Aivilas, Inc.
Manufacturer of natural, holistic pet food and products.
Harbor Creek Senior Apartments
Enjoy independent living; amenities include three community rooms, a library, laundry facilities and friendly residents. Enjoy social events such as bingo, pot lucks, and even a strawberry social. Ms. Trisha Mattis 4400 East Lake Road / Erie, PA 16511 (814) 899-9854 / www.clovermanagement.com/ RentalInfo.asp?rental_id=71
Ms. Christine McCallum P.O. Box 323 / Fairview, PA 16415 (888) 866-0303 / www.aivilaspetproducts.com
Cove Forge Behavioral Health
Cove Forge of Erie provides a full spectrum of adult and adolescent outpatient and intensive outpatient services. These services include free drug and alcohol assessments, individual, group and family counseling.
Liberty Tools LLC
Mr. Dan Bolla 1921 West 8th Street / Erie, PA 16505 (814) 452-2856 / www.whitedeerrun.com
Mr. Fedor Zakusilo 642 West 26th Street / Erie, PA 16502 (814) 580-1548 / www.libertytoolsllc.net
The Hammocks at Millcreek
Luggage Designers LLC
Ms. Dayle Cotter 4500 Hammock Drive / Erie, PA 16506 (814) 868-8400 / www.thehammocksatmillcreek.com
International distributor of hand tools and pipeline tools.
Online and local retailer of high quality luggage and travel goods at the lowest prices worldwide. Ms. Cindy Headrick 3330 West 26th Street / Erie, PA 16506 (814) 790-4089 / www.luggagedesigners.com
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
Luxury apartment community.
Water In Our Region
PROBLEM
New concept in senior living.
SOLVED
This feels like home! Embracing a new culture of “person-centered care,” Presbyterian Homes turned to PAPA Advertising to evolve its brand image and generate leads for their three senior living communities in northwestern Pennsylvania. PAPA successfully launched a new brand platform and an 18-month marketing communications plan - from capabilities brochures, direct mail and print advertising to lifestyle events, paid search and web development.
PAPAadvertising.com PROBLEMS SOLVED.
Pride of Baltimore II A reproduction of 1812-era topsail schooners also known as Baltimore Clippers for their swiftness and maneuverability, Pride of Baltimore II was built in the Inner Harbor at Baltimore, Maryland, and was commissioned in 1989. She is the Goodwill Ambassador of the State of Maryland and the Port of Baltimore. Pride II is a memorial to the original which sank in a storm off Puerto Rico in 1986 taking her captain and three crew members with her.
Sponsor: Lincoln Recycling
Docked At: Erie Maritime Museum www.pride2.org Homeport: Baltimore, MD
eriepa.com
Length of Deck: 100’ Sparred Length: 157” Rig Height: 107’ Sail Area: 9,018 square feet
Lincoln Recycling, an investor with the ERCGP, is pleased to support the Perry 200 Celebration and the Flagship Niagara League’s Tall Ships Festival 2013. As we did in 2010, we are again sponsoring the beautiful schooner, Pride of Baltimore II. This event is a great opportunity for the Erie region to reconnect with its maritime history.
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COO U TOENA D LC U O PDATE L U M NS R GNATNRIIZBATI
Organizational Updates Chamber
Economic Development
by Claudia Thornburg vice president, Chamber
by Jake Rouch vice president, Economic Development
I’m a little biased on the subject of water and Tall Ships 2013. I learned to water ski in Pittsburgh on the Monongahela River, rafted many rivers in Oregon, have sailed on oceans, lakes, and rivers on both coasts of the country. Like my mother, I am happiest when I’m in sight of, floating on, dining near or walking on the water’s edge. Water brings me peace. One of my ERCGP highlights came in 2010 when I had the good fortune to sail on the Unicorn in the first Tall Ships Festival. I crewed with five other Erie femfessionals and six female crewmates. Besides the incredible friendships that voyage bore, I was positioned on the bowsprit of the vessel as we sailed into Presque Isle Bay for the parade of sails. The pride and support that this community showed t hat e ven ing w i l l st ay w it h me for a lifetime. This community has once again stepped up to support Perry 200 and the 2013 Tall Ships Festival. You will see some of our member’s names throughout this publication and their reasons for sponsoring these graceful, but stately ships. We often boast the numerous events and festivals available each summer in Erie. Let’s not take for granted the organizations that support these summertime events, our nonprofit fundraisers and other celebrations we enjoy year round. A big THANK YOU to those sponsors for giving us the opportunity to enjoy and participate. It’s not all fun and games; it is also about our economy’s connection to and proximity within the entire Great Lakes Region. The ERCGP joined a very important economic development organization in the Great Lakes Metro Chambers Coalition. I hope you’ll take some time to read about the various initiatives this organization pursues. The Great Lakes region accounts for AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
34% of US manufacturing and 71% of exports. If the projects recommended by the coalition are adopted by the federal government, hundreds of jobs will be created and the long-term economic benefit for our region will be immense. I am truly grateful to be able to enjoy a view of Lake Erie from my house, my office window, and on the bow of a boat. I don’t take this for granted and our community should not take for granted the resources our business leaders put forth to make Erie proud, sustainable and enJOYable.
Keep up to date with all of our organizational happenings at eriepa.com
We are a community inextricably connected to water. Our City and County are named after a Great Lake. Our greatest tourism asset is a peninsula that is surrounded by water. Our economy was built in the early years by shipbuilding and goods movement in and out of our port. Citizens of all ages fish the lake and its rich tributaries. Nightly we look to the night sky and make a decision if we should head to the water’s edge to watch the sunset – regardless of season. Perhaps, however, the least inspirational or sexy aspect of our connection to water lies in its treatment and distribution to all of our homes and businesses. Our entire regional community has invested hundreds of millions of dollars over the last several decades to provide all of our homes and businesses with safe, reliable, plentiful, and dependable water. Our region’s investments have not just been on water treatment and distribution infrastructure – but also on storm water sewers, waste water sewers, and sewage treatment systems. The results of these investments? A swimmable Presque Isle Bay. Millions of gallons of excess water and sewage treatment capability available for new or expanded residential, commercial a nd i ndu s t r i a l de ve lopment . T he most modern water treatment system producing the purest, treated water in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Wasielewski Treatment Plant). Communities around the country face dramatic investments in their water and sewer systems to just maintain service to their existing customers. Two examples are Columbia, SC ($400 million) and Atlanta ($1 billion since 2004…with $500 million to go). Nationally, the demand for improved water and sewer
O R GWater A N I Z ATIInO Our NA L URegion PDATE S
Growth Partnership by Barbara Chaffee president/CEO, ERCGP systems in communities is estimated to cost $7.3 trillion over the next 20 years ($2.5 trillion for water and $4.8 trillion for sewer). Erie does not face such a financial challenge because of generations of leaders who recognized the importance of water and sewer infrastructure in our quality of life and competitiveness and consistently took steps to maintain and enhance those systems. The Erie Regiona l Cha mber a nd Growth Partnership sees long-term promise in our water resource – from the recreation it offers all of us and our visitors to the potential it offers future water-intensive industries. That is why we created the Tap Into Erie marketing campaign to introduce Erie to investors and businesses based upon our greatest natural resource: water. Water played an indelible part in the growth of our region. Water plays a central part of our present quality of life. And water – because of our committed investment over the years – will play a competitive part in our future economic competitiveness. So as the summer progresses toward fall, please continue to enjoy all that our wonderful water resource provides for us – cool dips in the lake or a pool, refreshing drinks after a workout or yard work, memorable events involving sailing/boating/fishing, walks along the beach, or a world-class sunset. Let us never take our water for granted… it’s a blessing that impacts nearly every day of lives in Erie…whether we realize it or not. Learn more about Tap Into Erie: www.tapintoerie.com
eriepa.com
Joel Berdine, chair of the Destination Erie Consortium Leadership team and Ben Pratt, the project’s coordinator provided the Growth Partnership Committee with a status update on Destination Erie. The committee also participated in the MetroQuest Survey that presented land use scenarios for the region’s future. At June’s meeting t he Grow t h Partnership Committee discussed where the partnership’s involvement should be over the next few years. The committee recommended that our transformational initiatives be directed toward: • Destination Erie outcomes and initiatives • The Regional Consortium on Education and Training (key for DE initiatives of the future) • The Common Core Standards (key for DE initiatives of the future) • Erie Health Care Collaborative The Growth Partnership Committee represents the entirety of the Growth Partnership membership, long term members of the Growth Partnership Committee are: • Rosanne Cheeseman – Chair • Jay Badams • John Bloomstine • John Cline • John Elliott • Tim Hunter • Dale McBrier • William McCarthy • Marco Monsalve • Mark Raimy • Nick Scott, Jr. • Dave Tullio • Tom Tupitza
T he C om m it tee a lso e x tended invitations to the following members and we welcome them to the Growth Partnership Committee: • Joel Berdine • Jody Farrell • Charles “Boo” Hagerty • Candace Littell • Marsha Marsh • Neil Parham • Mary Beth Wilcher GE Fou ndat ion Business a nd E duc at ion Su mmit – Ju ly 2013: Attending the business summit were James E. Martin, Jim Rutkowski, Jr., Dr. Keith Taylor, Dr. Julie Wollman, David Tullio, John Cline, Jay Badams, Neil Parham and Barbara Chaffee. Also joining the Erie contingent were Mary Bula, Melanie Johnson and Amanda Brown-Sissem. Thirty Erie area educators attended the concurrent Education Summit. The GE Foundation Business and Education Summit convenes business leaders, nonprofit professionals and policy experts to explore how a united effort supporting the Common Core State Standards can ensure our future economic competitiveness. The private sector’s involvement is critical to ensure future workforce preparedness and economic competitiveness and needs to be a strong voice in favor of college-and career-readiness. Our summit participants heard leading education experts through general sessions and breakout groups and we had the opportunity to meet with business leaders across sectors, states and political parties to identify strategies that utilize the best of business – to accelerate the change process needed to implement college and career readiness through the Common Core State Standards.
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Team ReSULTS
Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights Business & Tax Elder Law Environmental Law
Erie, PA
Estate Planning & Administration Family Law Health Law Intellectual Property & Technology
Jamestown, NY
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
Labor & Employment Litigation Public Finance & Bonds Real Estate Workers’ Compensation
North East, PA
The Knox firm has been delivering sound legal advice for over 50 years. Our skilled team of 40 attorneys, 20 paralegals and dozens of support staff members is driven by results. Whether you are the CEO of a large company or a young family developing an estate plan, our attorneys will strive to understand your needs and fulfill them in a friendly, responsive and cost-effective manner. When you need a team, we pull together to help you come out ahead.
814-459-2800
www.kmgslaw.com
Water In Our Region
Friends Good Will
“We have met the enemy and they are ours…” Commander Oliver Hazard Perry, U.S.N., Battle of Lake Erie, September 10, 1813. This famous dispatch, dashed off within an hour after the great guns fell silent, went on to reference a merchant sloop turned man-o-war. That sloop was Friends Good Will. The Michigan Maritime Museum launched a replica o this fateful vessel in 2004. The vessel serves as a historic flagship for the preservation of traditional maritime skills.
SPONSOR: PNC Bank
Length of Deck: 56.3’ Docked at Dobbins Landing www.MichiganMaritimeMuseum.org Sparred Length: 101’ Rig Height: 82’ Homeport: South Haven, MI Sail Area: 3,180 square feet
Unicorn
PNC Bank, a platinum level investor with the ERCGP, is pleased to be a major sponsor for Tall Ships weekend and Perry 200 and to join in celebrating Erie’s role in the victory of The War of 1812. The Friends Good Will, is a ship built as merchant vessel in 1810 in Michigan, at River Rouge. She was chartered by the federal government to take military supplies to Fort Dearborn, a small military and trading post at what is now Chicago. When returning with supplies, the ship was confiscated by the British and renamed Little Belt. She was armed, taken into service, and fought with the Royal Navy until September 1813, when she was recaptured by United States Commodore Oliver Perry at the Battle of Lake Erie. This ship symbolizes our fight to regain what is ours. At PNC, the corporate philosophy is to recognize achievement and we are happy to share in the celebration and proud of our commitment to the Erie region!
Built in 1947 as a Dutch motor fishing vessel to work the North Atlantic, she was converted to a sailing ship in 1979 and was renamed Eenhorn or One Horn - Dutch for Unicorn. The ship changed hands a number of times until a major rebuild was undertaken in 1995 by its Canadian owners. They renamed the vessel Truth North and operated it as a sail training vessel. During the summer, the ship is chartered by a non-profit on-board leadership program for girls and women. The group, called Sisters Under Sail was formed by co-owner Dawn Santamaria. Unicorn is owed by Jay and Dawn Santamaria. They purchased the ship in late 1999 and rechristened her with the original name of Unicorn.
Sponsor: Plyler Overhead Door & The Warren Company
Plyler Overhead Door, a silver investor with the ERCGP, has been in business since 1967 and appreciates the support we have received from the Erie community. We make it our priority to give back by sponsoring many local events and functions. The Tall Ships Festival is a very significant event, by co-sponsoring the Unicorn we’re doing our part to help bring as many ships as possible in for the celebration. The Warren Company, also a silver level investor with the ERCGP, chose to sponsor the Unicorn because the boat has so many similarities to what we stand for. One family has owned The Warren Company for the last 100 years, but our purpose and services have evolved with each generation of “Warren”; a story very similar to the Unicorn.
Docked at the Convention Center www.tallshipunicorn.com Home Port: Bridgeport, CT
eriepa.com
Length of Deck: 90’ Sparred Length: 118’ Rig Height: 96’ Sail Area: 9,688 square feet
The Unicorn originated from scrap steel salvaged from German U-boats of World War II and was used as a diesel engine powered fishing boat. Its travels have seen it owned by several different families, with each one using it for a different purpose. When the fishing days of her life were over she became a ship strictly for sailing and enjoying the open waters. As those days closed another chapter opened. Fifty-two years later the Unicorn evolved into a training facility on the open waters for people of all ages and backgrounds. For the last 14 years this vessel has given countless number of men and women the skills they would need to sail the oceans around the world.
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The Regional Career & Technical Center is a leading provider of quality career and technical training programs for adults. We offer a variety of courses, affordable tuition, convenient class schedules and customized training programs.
More than 120 short-term technical classes available in: Automotive Technologies Business & Management Computer Training Construction Trades Drafting & Design HVAC Industrial Technologies
Insurance Specialist Manufacturing Technologies Medical Technologies Oil & Gas Technician Welding Special Interest
RCTC is your training partner and more…
• Dozens of companies pay their employee’s tuition for RCTC classes • Customized training programs to meet specific company needs in welding, blueprint reading and other manufacturing skills • Partnerships with apprenticeship programs • Services for adults interested in non-traditional occupations • The region’s primary training site for PA Automotive Safety & Emissions Inspections • ISO 9001:2008 Certified
Term I classes begin the week of September 2. Register for classes August 5 – 16.
Visit www.ects.org/rctc for a complete course schedule or call 814.464.8601 for more information.
8500 Oliver Road • Erie, PA 16509 The RCTC is a division of the Erie County Technical School, an equal opportunity educational institution.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
Water In Our Region
Sorlandet
Sorlandet is the oldest of the three Norwegian tall ships and the oldest full rigged ship in the world still in operation. Sorlandet is a former schools ship, currently on hire to the Canadian sail training institution Class Afloat. West Island College-Class Afloat is an experiential education boarding school located in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada. A fully certified faculty instructs students in a full curriculum including social studies and global issues, anthropology, marine biology, maths, sciences, and physical education.
Sponsor: Highmark Health Services
Docked at the Convention Center www.classafloat.com Homeport: Kristiansan, Norway
Length of Deck: 186’ Sparred Length: 210.5’ Rig Height: 82’ Sail Area: 13,304 square feet
Highmark Health Services, a diamond investor with the ERGCP, is proud to sponsor the Sorlandet during this year’s Tall Ships Festival. As a company committed to creating stronger, healthier communities, it’s fitting to continue our participation in this impactful community event. We at Highmark Health Services, especially our employee volunteers who will be lending a hand during this year’s festivities, are thrilled to again be a part of what is sure to be a special weekend in Erie.
Appledore IV
The schooner Appledore IV is owned and operated by BaySail, a 501c3 non-profit corporation. Tall ship adventures aboard the Appledore IV further BaySail’s mission: “To foster environmental stewardship of the Saginaw Bay watershed and the Great Lakes ecosystem and to provide personal development opportunities for learners of all ages through shipboard and land based educational experiences.” BaySail’s program include Science Under Sail, a half-day environmental education sail for K-12 classroom groups; and Windward Bound, an overnight voyaging and freshwater science field course for students ages 12-18.
Sponsor: LocalEdge
Docked at Dobbins Landing www baysailbaycity.org Homeport: Bay City, MI
eriepa.com
Length of Deck: 65’ Sparred Length: 85’ Rig Height: 76’ Sail Area: 3,560 square feet
LocalEdge, an investor with the ERCGP, is proud to sponsor Appledore IV, a topsail schooner from Bay City, Michigan, at this year’s Tall Ships Erie. We’ve chosen to support this cause because it gives Erie residents the unique opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the Great Lakes’ extensive maritime history. We take pride in contributing not only to the growth of local business but also to the personal growth of our community and are thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of this exciting and historical event.
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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
Water Our CO N S In I S TE NT FRegion E AT U R E
Erie’s Healthcare Collaboration
HEALTH: Testing the waters at the LECOM Medical Fitness and Wellness Center: The healing power of aquatic exercise and hydrotherapy Contributed by the LECOM Medical Fitness & Wellness Center
Water has long been known for its restorative power for both physical and emotional conditions. The LECOM John M. and Silvia Ferretti Medical Fitness & Wellness Center understands the natural environment water provides and offers aquatic exercise and hydrotherapy for those seeking to improve and maintain fitness or recover from injuries. Water has been shown to be therapeutic for t ho s e su f fer i n g f rom phy sic a l conditions such as: • Obesity • Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis • Fibromyalgia In addition, water is also advantageous for those preparing for orthopedic surgery and following surgery for rehabilitation. To achieve the wellness goals of the members and patients who use the center, there are three pools: a 25-yard lap swimming pool, an exercise pool and a warm water therapy pool. Each pool is kept at the optimum temperature for exercise or therapy. Water allows one to obtain the health benefits of regular exercise with a lower risk of injury. The various properties of water make aquatic workouts appealing to people who are looking for a safe and effective mode of exercise. Resistance created by water challenges the cardiovascular and muscular systems. Compared with exercising on land, water offers twelve times the resistance of air with every movement. Buoyancy limits the impact of gravity on one’s joints, muscles and bones. In waist deep water, approximately 50% of one’s body weight is supported, greatly reducing the strain
eriepa.com
on the body. To maximize both comfort and the benefits, it is best to exercise in mid-chest depth. The LECOM Wellness Center offers several group aquatic classes. HydroCombo is a beginner to intermediate class blending low impact and moderate intensity exercise. It is designed to increase flexibility and strengthen the entire body. The Hydro-Power class is mid- to high-intensity aerobics and the main focus is to reduce body fat and increase muscle tone. Easy Moves, held in the therapy pool, is a warm water class designed for people with mobility challenges associated with above conditions. This class emphasizes increasing range of motion, balance and mild strengthening. Water exercise or therapy is also recommended for injured athletes. The injured athlete may continue to condition while reducing the load placed on the injured joint, muscle or bone. Athletes and non-athletes of all levels will benefit from deep water running. Because of water’s unique properties, muscles are exercised in all planes of motion providing more balance among opposing muscle groups for an all over conditioning. The property of turbulence of the water may help to: • Decrease stiffness • Improve joint range of motion • Act as gentle massage • Improve circulation Turbulence is the unsteady movement of water. Jetted pools, like the LECOM
therapy pool or the facility’s whirlpools, provide an unstable environment which causes the engagement of the core muscles to maintain posture. In addition, the current created by the jets stimulates the skin and, therefore, increases circulation. This increase in circulation improves joint mobility and contributes to increased flexibility. Warm, swirling water also promotes a state of relaxation by relieving anxiety related to both physical and emotional stressors. Whether looking to slim down, stay in shape, recover from an injury, improve range of motion or seek a change of pace from a regular fitness routine, pool classes offer a challenging alternative in a fun and supportive environment. Beginner, intermediate and advanced aquatic classes meet a wide range of needs. The blend of aerobic intensity together with the use of pool dumbbells, noodles for floating or other aquatic equipment provides a total body workout. In addition to the classes previously described, the lap pool is always available for lap swimming and water jogging. In addition, the Millcreek Community Hospital offers outpatient aquatic physical therapy in the warm water therapy pool. To learn more, visit the LECOM Medical Fitness & Wellness Center located at 5401 Peach Street. The hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 5 a.m. until 10 p.m.; Friday 5 a.m. until 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Also visit our website at lecomwellness.com to view a complete schedule of classes and other offerings. You may also contact us by calling (814) 868-7800.
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Flagship Niagara
“Every person who set s foot onboard t he N iagara does so as a st udent.” _Capt ain W esley Heerssen, Jr.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
Water In Our Region
Voyages of Discovery
The U.S. Brig Niagara hosts young hands and scientific pioneers. by Mary Birdsong
You’re standing on the south pier watching the U.S. Brig Niagara depart the channel and head out into Lake Erie. With 19th century majesty, the sails slowly unfurl and catch the wind. It could be on its way to Put-In-Bay, about to make history. But wait, who’s hoisting that sail? Could it be—yes it is—a group of thirteen-year olds. Known primarily as a warship instrumental to the battle of Lake Erie, the Niagara these days most often carries students engaged in learning, not war craft. In fact, as says Captain Wesley Heerssen, Jr., “every person who sets foot onboard the Niagara does so as a student.” Besides commemorating and interpreting the building of Perry’s fleet, the Battle of Lake Erie and the War of 1812, and serving as an ambassador for Erie and Pennsylvania in ports nationwide, Niagara’s mission includes its use as an educational tool to teach the public the importance of the battle, about those who fought, and the technology and science of a “square rig” vessel. The best way to do that, according to Captain Wes is making the Niagara the classroom. “Hands-on experience trumps explanation every time,” says Heerssen. “By doing rather than listening or memorizing facts, students take away the meaning of an event and the story of the people who did this.”
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Eighth Grade Educational Day Sail
Those middle school students raising the sails were participating in the Eighth Grade Educational Day Sail designed by Captain Wes that began in 2010. Its goal is to engage every eighth grader in the region. The program gives students the opportunity to be junior mariners during a three-hour day sail on the Niagara. Each year, more than 900 students from Erie and Crawford County schools get the opportunity to sail. They learn how to tie knots, take turns steering the vessel, see firsthand the aerodynamic properties of the sails, and get immersed in Great Lakes maritime history and what life aboard the ship was like. It’s an eye-opening experience for many, says Captain Wes. “Many of these students have never been this close to the water, many think the bay is the lake. When we take them out of the channel and they see the enormity of Lake Erie for the first time, eyes get very wide. It opens up a new world to them. They cheer when they set the sails, something that takes teamwork, and quickly learn they must work together to make the ship sail.” The program is funded by grants and, in the 2012-2013 school year was made possible with donations from Country Fair, a Silver level investor with the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership. With plans to expand to tenth graders, the program is looking for a 2014 corporate sponsor.
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Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership
It was money well spent according to Steve Seymour, Director of Personnel for Country Fair. “Many of the students who sailed would not have had this opportunity without the help of Country Fair and our customers, who very generously contributed to make the Day Sail possible. We are proud and pleased to assist the Flagship Niagara with this project. The most gratifying part of the entire experience was reading the thank you cards that the students wrote after their sail. It was clear they realized that the time spent on board was a living history lesson.”
Great Lakes Ecology
While regional Middle School students get a three-hour taste of life aboard ship, college students in the Great Lakes Ecology class live on the Niagara for three weeks. A very intense three weeks. Another idea hatched by Captain Wes, the course took sail in 2011, and has blossomed into a unique combination of science and seamanship. On their three-week Great Lakes journey, students study biology, microbiology, ecology, chemistry and marine archeology. They are also required to learn how to be a working member of the crew. The course is open to students in all majors, not just those focusing on science. The trip takes students, depending on the year, to ports such as Duluth, Minnesota on the far western shores of Lake Superior, Penetanguishene, Ontario on Lake Huron and Toronto on Lake Ontario. Along with other professors in a variety of disciplines, William Edwards, PhD, a lake ecologist and professor at Niagara University, north of Niagara Falls, NY, leads the students through a blend of scientific experiments and lectures. The Niagara crew teaches them the ropes of seamanship. “The students have two lectures per day; one in some aspect of ecology or other science and a second in seamanship,” says Edwards.
The course has sparked groundbreaking research for one of the professors, Dr. Sherri Mason, a chemistry professor at SUNY-Fredonia stared out at the lake during the first year’s sail and started thinking about the Garbage Patches of the oceans—gyres of submerged micropar ticles of plastic debris locked into the ocean by currents—and wondered if anyone had gone looking for a fresh water equivalent. Back on land, she discovered no research was being conducted and her project was born.
“By the third week, however, leadership skills are emerging, the group has become a team, work ethic is tested and these college students become useful members of the crew—assets in our collective endeavor.”
They are also responsible for “watches,” during which they are doing science or helping to sail the ship. “It’s a demanding experience, says Edwards, “but most alumni of the class say it is one of their favorite college memories.”
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Flagship Niagara
Through collaboration with the 5 Gyres Institute, Mason acquired the trawling equipment necessary to collect samples. “It’s a hard thing for people to understand since this plastic cannot be seen,” says Mason, “but it’s there in very small particles approximately one to five millimeters in diameter.” In 2012, their first year of sampling, Mason and the students discovered that, so far, Lake Erie has the most plastic particulates, with 80 percent of it being the very small one-millimeter micro beads that are found in personal care products like facial scrubs. “Typically, micro
Water In Our Region
plastics are derived from larger items breaking down and we usually find pieces approximately five millimeters in diameter. We were surprised to find so many of the much smaller particles.” They hypothesized that higher concentrations of plastics in Lake Erie are due a variety of factors. The lake is farther down the chain of flow from Lake Superior to the St. Lawrence Seaway, it is shallower and has a more concentrated population along its shores and it hosts a lot of vascular plants like algae, which trap small pieces of plastic very effectively. “We are studying Lake Ontario— farther downstream than Erie—this summer and we’ll see how it compares to Erie,” Mason says.
Flagship Niagara
It’s not all science and seamanship, though. Throughout those three intense weeks unseen skills are emerging. Captain Wes explains, “when the students first come on board, they are not a cohesive group, they are unskilled
and, in many respects, a liability to the ship. By the third week, however, leadership skills are emerging, the group has become a team, work ethic is tested and these college students become useful members of the crew—assets in our collective endeavor.” Whether it is a thirteen-year-old mastering a simple knot or a college student analyzing complex water samples, the bottom line for the students who accept the challenges the Niagara has to offer, is growth, self-improvement and grand adventure. When Niagara makes its triumphant return in September as part of the Tall Ships Festival, you’ll know that the ship’s manifest holds more than crew and cannonballs. Now, she’s carrying scientific discovery, newly tested skills and quite a few proud young teens.
Niagara is a two-masted, square-rigged sailing vessel. In 1813 she had a crew of 155 men who manned her sails, 18 carronades and 2 long guns. The original U.S. Brig Niagara was built in Erie less than a year after the United States declared war against Great Britain in June of 1812, and reasons for war were mainly maritime. “Impressment” or taking American seamen for work for the British Royal Navy and, second, the seizure of American ships engaged in trade with France with whom the British were at war were key factors. Erie, a village of less than 500 people on the frontier of a fledging nation, became the site where a shipyard was established and organized by Daniel Dobbins, a local shipmaster. Construction of the U.S fleet began during the winter of 1812 and 1813 and was essentially completed by mid June: two brigs, one sharp schooner pilot boat and three gunboats. Docked at Convention Center www.flagshipniagara.org Home Port: Erie, PA
Length of Deck: 120’ Sparred Length: 198’ Rig Height 120’ Sail Area: 11,600 square feet
SPONSOR: Eriez Magnetics
Erie is the home and global headquarters for Eriez® Magnetics, an ERCGP investor, and we have had a long standing culture of investing in the community in which our employees live. We feel it’s very important to support and recognize the history and heritage of Erie represented by the Perry 200 Commemoration. We honor those who came before us and remember the key role Erie played at a critical time in our country’s early development. Eriez® Magnetics is pleased and proud to join in this celebration, including sponsorship of our iconic U.S. Brig Niagara during Tall Ships Erie which caps the commemoration.
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Speed in building the fleet was paramount, but construction was done carefully and by hand as most sawmills were miles from where trees were cut or from the shipyard. Because of the need to get the ships built quickly, only unseasoned wood was used. Master Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry, 27, of Newport Rhode Island, arrived in Erie in late March 1813 and took command of operations, began recruiting, training and drilling his men. After the Battle of Lake Erie (September 10, 1813), Perry wrote to General William Henry Harrison to report that “We have met the enemy and they are ours: two ships, two brigs, one schooner, and one sloop.” Niagara was scuttled in Misery Bay within Erie Harbor following the War of 1812. The wreck was brought up in 1913 and a ship was reconstructed upon her keel and a few other salvageable timbers. Between 1933 and 1943, another complete reconstruction took place with the ship being placed on a permanent cradle out of the water. Masts and rigging were installed in 1963, but by the mid 1980s, time had again taken its toll. Ship builder Melbourne Smith built a fourth Niagara in 1998. The present ship incorporates some original timber in non-structural areas.
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R E G I O NA L I N ITIATI VE U PDATE S
Regional Initiative Updates Erie VITAL SIGNS: Water is a Key Erie Vital Sign
Destination Erie: The Next Steps by Ben Pratt, director of research and project coordinator
Destination Erie: A Regional Vision would like to thank everyone who facilitated/organized a meeting, sent out an email blast, told a friend, supported the initiative through social media and marketing and of course the 2,000+ citizens at large who filled out a survey! The Metroquest Survey is officially closed. Keystone Research Corporation & Dynamic Visions consulting did an amazing job going out to the community and engaging the public. Over the last two months, the Engagement team made up of Dr. Joyce Miller, Tania Bogatova, Dr. Renee Lamis, and Sean Fedorko participated in more than 70 meetings across Erie County! Now it’s “crunch time” for the project management team, consultant team and the Consortium Leadership Team. In the coming weeks, the group will organize and analyze data, feedback and comments that have been received over the last two months. Next, it will be time to expound on the comprehensive vision statement, sharpen the community reinvestment strategy and develop the platform for “BIG IDEAS” to emerge. There is still a lot of work to be done, and a lot of work group meetings before the scheduled fall workshop in October. Remember, if you are interested in joining one of the five work groups (Community Facilities, Housing & Neighborhood Development, Environment, Transportation &
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
Contributed by the Erie Community Foundation Infrastructure, Economic & Workforce Development) please feel free to contact Ben Pratt, Project Coordinator via email at bpratt@eriepa.com or phone at (814) 454-7191 x131 or Michael Fuhrman, Project Manager via email at mfuhrman@eriecountygov.org or phone at (814) 451-6200 to make sure you are on the mailing lists! Learn More about Destination Erie: A Regional Vision: www.planerieregion.com.
Visitors to Erie rave about the beauty of Presque Isle and our abundance of water. Plentiful water is a competitive advantage for our region and a key part of our environment. Erie Vital Signs plays a key role in tracking progress on environmental issues. Recently, The Erie Community Foundation supported two projects aligned with Erie Vital Signs indicators. Paddle Without Pollution is creating a water trail on Presque Isle complete with interpretive routes, signage and maps. It will be suitable for canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and other small watercraft. A local nonprofit, Environment Erie, is educating the public on our water supply and how we can best manage the watershed. The Erie Community Foundation supported a project that connects neighborhoods with the environment by installing rain barrelsand rain gardens and planting trees. With Foundation assistance, Environment Erie also introduced a service learning project at PfeifferBurleigh Elementary School. Students assessed a 12-block radius in their neighborhood and provided homeowners with new tree plantings. Finally, grant support helped them restore a garden at their school and to plant trees, shrubs and perennials in a vacant lot owned by Country Fair at the intersection of East 12th and Parade Streets.
Water In Our R E G I O NA L I N ITIATI VE URegion PDATE S
Erie Community Foundation & Paddle Without Pollution
Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary School Garden
Visit www.erievitalsigns.org to learn more about key indicators related to the Environment and other topical areas including Cultural Vitality, Community and Civic Engagement, The Economy, Regionalism, Health, Education and Brain Gain. We are confident you will learn something, both about our community and about how you can take positive action. Partners in the Erie Vital Signs project include The Erie Community Foundation, The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, the United Way of Erie County, Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, Erie Together and The Nonprofit Partnership.
eriepa.com
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Sunrise from the Great Lakes, Michigan
“The trading region, composed of two Canadian provinces and twelve states, accounts for well over half of the U.S./ Canada trade relationship, and is the fourth largest economy in the world.� AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
Water In Our Region
Fighting for the Place We Call Home
Great Lakes states join forces to drive a strong agenda. By Lori Nikolishen
More than a pretty beach When the dog days of summer are in full swing, beaches, boating, and summer fun are likely to be some of the first things that come to mind when thinking about the Great Lakes Region. However, summer recreation just scratches the surface of what the Great Lakes Region has to offer. The Great Lakes Region – which spans 750 miles – is comprised of five lakes: Erie, Huron, Michigan, Ontario and Superior. Together these lakes comprise the world’s largest surface fresh water system on the planet, providing approximately 20 percent of the world’s fresh water. The trading region, composed of two Canadian provinces and twelve states, accounts for well over half of the U.S./Canada trade relationship, and is the fourth largest economy in the world. Facing the challenge As the global economy grows and transforms, the Great Lakes Region faces significant challenges. To guarantee a strong future and boost the economy, the region needs to evolve. To evolve, the region’s leaders need to partner with local, state and federal governments, along with the private sector, to create a strong agenda for growth and change. Recognizing the critical importance of a strong agenda, leaders from over 20 Great Lakes Region chambers of commerce joined forces in 2008. With a common goal of revitalizing the region’s economy, the Great Lakes
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Metro Chambers Coalition was born. Executive vice president of the Detroit Regional Chamber for over 27 years, Ed Wolking, Jr., is one of the driving forces behind the coalition. Forming a plan Since its formation, the coalition expanded to include nearly 40 chambers across the Great Lakes Region. Their mission is clear, “Promoting Policy to Grow the Great Lakes Economy.” Ed Wolking’s succinct statement about the coalition’s goal “to strengthen the natural assets and attributes we have that make us competitive on the global stage” is just the tip of the iceberg. The Great Lakes Metro Chambers Coalition has both short- and long-term goals in five strategic areas. The first area is federal transportation infrastructure funding and policy, which includes both surface and water transportation. There are several agenda items that are specifically focused on water as a means of transportation, such as the Water Resources Development Act, and the Great Lakes Short Sea Shipping Act. Another key agenda item, full use of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF), supports dredging to ensure the Great Lakes can accommodate larger ships and commercial traffic. The coalition also seeks to have the Great Lakes System viewed as a single port system, which would provide the region significant additional monetary resources.
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Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership The second strategic area is a 21st century border with Canada. The goal is to enhance the movement of both people and goods across the border while balancing international trade and security. Improving efficiency with the just-in-time standard of a 15-minute maximum wait for goods and people to cross the border is just one way to further grow the world’s largest trade relationship. Base load energy development is the coalition’s third strategic focus. In addition to securing clean coal, natural gas, and nuclear energy resources, this strategy area considers alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, and water. Manufacturing is core to the Great Lakes Region economy, accounting for 34 percent of the nation’s manufactured products and 71 percent of its exports. “For success in manufacturing, the region needs to meet high levels of energy demand,” says Wolking. “To meet the high levels of demand,” he continues, “you need base load energy.” Fourth on the strategy list is the immigration of highly skilled talent, which is needed to secure the Great Lakes Region’s status as the cradle of innovation, ingenuity, and productivity. A key agenda item is the adoption of policies and programs that not only attract international talent to the Great Lakes Region, but also keep them there. The Great Lakes Region is home to many of the world’s highly esteemed institutions of learning, and 29 percent of the nation’s patents come from the region. The fifth and final strategic area is investment in the quality of the Great Lakes. Whether viewed as a competitive advantage or a geographic asset, improving the supply and quality of the water in our lakes is of prime importance. The coalition recognizes that revitalization of the lakes will take continuing work. In addition to addressing issues such as aquatic invasive species and pollutants, coastal health, habitats and conservation – among other needs – must be considered. Taking action While each strategic area has its own distinct goals, the overlap among them is indisputable. You need good quality water to be considered a regional asset. Regional assets attract talent. Talent drives manufacturing. You need manufacturing to produce goods. A solid transportation infrastructure is required to move goods, and strong border relations ensure the ability to trade goods. The year-to-year work of the coalition is outlined in an overall master agenda, which is updated annually with a list of near-term goals based on the key issues in Congress that year. The coalition advocates for the agenda by adding the Great Lakes Region’s perspective
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“Manufacturing is core to the Great Lakes Region economy, accounting for 34 percent of the nation’s manufactured products and 71 percent of its exports.” to topical national issues, and works with Congressional leaders and staff in the region to get things moving. Wolking explains the approach, saying, “We look at how we can add value –to and from the Great Lakes Region as it relates to the national agenda.” Pushing the agenda is hard work, and involves hundreds of meetings and calls on Washington, D.C. Worth the fight Why all this effort? Quite simply, there is a lot at stake. There is also a lot to be gained. If the initiatives and projects recommended by the coalition are adopted by the federal government, they will result in over $100 billion in long-term economic benefits for the region and nation. Their adoption will also create hundreds of thousands of jobs. While the long-term benefits remain to be seen, recent coalition successes are moving things in the right direction. In the last year the coalition helped reauthorize the surface transportation agenda for 27 months, pressed for continuation of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, and supported the addition of highly-skilled worker provisions in the Senate’s 2013 immigration reform bill. It supported state regulation of hydraulic fracturing in natural gas extraction rather than federal, helped to assemble a northern borders stakeholder group to push for continued progress on more seamless border crossings and regulations, and saw the enactment of uniform Coast Guard standards for ballast water discharge. And that is just for starters. There are more accomplishments to celebrate, and much more work to be done. Ed Wolking understands the region’s needs. He also understands what the region stands to gain. Wolking, like his coalition peers, is committed. “We design things, we invent things, we make great things, and we ship them,” says Wolking. “We call the Great Lakes home,” he continues, “and that makes it all worthwhile.” The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership is a proud member of the Great Lakes Metro Chambers Coalition. Learn more: www.greatlakesmetrochambers.com
Water In Our Region
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eriepa.com Chamber Ad Full-Pg (0713).indd 1
7/2/13 7:28 PM
Tilapia Fish Farm
“Aquaculture is nothing new. There is evidence that it was practiced in Australia as early as 8,000 years ago, and the historical record of the practice AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 is 4,500 years old.�
Water In Our Region
How Aquaculture Might Just Be Erie’s Next Growth Industry by John Chacona
It was one of Erie’s biggest industries, employing more than 3,500 persons directly and hundreds more in associated industries. It dominated some of the county’s most valuable real estate and put the city on the international map as the Ground Zero of the industry worldwide. It was Erie’s freshwater fishing industry, a behemoth that embraced at least 14 fish companies operating 140 fish tugs, that at its peak brought an annual catch of more than ten million pounds of fish through the port of Erie. No wonder Erie was hailed as the “freshwater fishing capital of the world” by the 1920s.
“It was Erie’s freshwater fishing industry, a behemoth that embraced at least 14 fish companies operating 140 fish tugs, that at its peak brought an annual catch of more than ten million pounds of fish through the port of Erie.” eriepa.com
Environmental changes and overfishing have turned Erie’s fishing fleet into ghost ships of our memory, but the fishing industry in our area could be poised for a comeback, though in a place where you would never expect to find it. To see the future of northwest Pennsylvania’s fishing industry, you have to go to a place that is removed from the shores of Lake Erie, to a farm near the western Crawford County community of Conneautville. Yes, a farm, but not the kind with tractors and silos and fields of crops—well not exactly. The farm is Raup Fisheries, a pioneer in the science of aquaculture, the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of plants and animals in water. Aquaculture is nothing new. There is evidence that it was practiced in Australia as early as 8,000 years ago, and the historical record of the practice is 4,500 years old. What is new is the scale and technology of aquaculture, and the hopes of many that aquafarmed fish and shellfish can replace the increasingly depleted wild-caught fisheries of the world’s lakes and oceans. The timing couldn’t be better. Data gathered for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations reports that perhaps 90 percent of large species such as the Bluefin tuna prized for sushi have been fished out, and
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Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership
that a third of global wild-caught fish stocks are overfished. What happened in Lake Erie in the 1950s and 1960s is now happening in the world’s oceans. At the same time, the growth rate of worldwide aquaculture has exploded. Globally, it’s an $86 billion business. More than one-third of the total world production of fisheries –more than 90 million tons annually—is aquafarmed, with about a third of that production in China.
“The growth rate of worldwide aquaculture has exploded. Globally, it’s an $86 billion business. More than one-third of the total world production of fisheries–more than 90 million tons annually...” And Conneautville. For more than a decade, Vaughn Raup and his wife, Kim, have operated an aquaponic fishery and supply business. Raup raises koi, the beautifully colored fish that are a happy genetic accident of aquafarmed carp in ancient China, and tilapia, a variety found on seafood menus everywhere. The latter is the rare food fish that has a vegetarian diet (many farm-raised fish, such as salmon, must be fed a diet of fish and seafood). Put simply, Raup’s tilapia and koi eat plant matter while the fish waste from their production is used to nourish hydroponically raised herbs, which can be grown indoors year-round. That last point is important, especially in a region with a short growing season. Indoor agriculture can provide fresh vegetables, greens and herbs to local tables from local growers. And these growers, too, can be found in unlikely places. One of them is the Green City Growers Cooperative, a 3.25acre hydroponic greenhouse in the Central neighborhood
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
on Cleveland’s southwest side. The greenhouse, a part of Cleveland’s innovative Evergreen Cooperatives, opened in February and is currently producing Bibb lettuce, green leaf lettuce, gourmet lettuces and basil, most of which is sold locally. The latter point is crucial, too. The movement to eat locally produced food is more than a hipster trend. Increasing fuel and other transportation costs will place upward pressure on the process of fresh produce over time. Aquaponics makes economic as well as environmental sense.’ It could happen here, too. Erie County has no shortage of former industrial and retail spaces awaiting a new purpose. More importantly, we also have an abundant supply of the one essential resource for aquaculture, a resource many urban areas lack: water. Tap Into Erie is an initiative formed to seek out waterintensive industries that could use Erie’s 36 million gallons of excess water and sewer capacity. Aquaculture might not be the first such industry to come to mind, especially in an urban area, but the Cleveland experiment, and others in Great Lakes cities such as Chicago and Detroit, show that it can be done. “It’s a perfect fit for Tap Into Erie,” Jake Rouch, vice president, economic development at the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, said of aquaponics. “It’s an industry that must have water to do what it does, and the industry is expanding. Any business that will be a heavy user of water will receive a five-year, 40 percent discount from the Erie Water Authority, and for a company just starting out and looking to minimize operational costs, that is very significant.” Rouch adds that when Tap Into Erie first surveyed the market for water-intensive businesses that would be likely prospects for locating in Erie, “aquaponics was not even on the radar. Fast forward two or three years and everything changed.” In economics as in every other realm of human endeavor, things change, and sometimes they disappear only to reemerge later in a somewhat different form. So, even though it may not appear as it did in the 1920s when fish tugs and their cargo dominated the Erie Bayfront, the glory days of Erie’s fishing industry may well be ahead of us.
Water In Our Region
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Lynx
Lynx is an accurate interpretation of an original privateer schooner of the same name. The original was built by Thomas Kemp in 1812 in Fell’s Point, Maryland, and was one of the first U.S. ships to evade the British fleet that was blockading American ports during the War of 1812. The present Lynx was designed and built by Melbourne Smith, also designer of U.S Brig Niagara, in Rockport, Maine, and launched there July 28, 2001. The ship was the first to be built in Rockport since 1885.
SPONSOR: Erie Federal Credit Union
Erie Federal Credit Union, a gold investor with the ERCGP, has been Erie strong for over 75 years. Each year, we look forward to participating in local celebrations, parades and other special community events. This year, we are especially proud to support Tall Ships Erie and serve as sponsor of the Lynx of Portsmouth, N.H. The Lynx and each Tall Ship has a rich history and story to tell. We jumped at the chance to be a part of an event that will allow Erie to show off its rich maritime history to thousands of visitors, history buffs and local residents while also delivering a significant economic benefit to this area.
Docked at Erie Maritime Museum www.privateeerlynx.com Homeport: Portsmouth, NH
Length of Deck: 76’ Sparred Length: 122’ Rig Height: 94’ Sail Area: 4,669 square feet
Formed in 1936 by a group of local Erie educators, our association with the preservation and public education of the historical events of the Flagship Niagara League is a perfect fit and goes hand in hand with the philosophy of our early educational founding roots. Erie FCU’s mission is to serve our members and community with spirit, compassion and heart. No other phrase symbolizes the spirit of Erie more than those infamous words uttered in the War of 1812…”Don’t Give Up The Ship.” Our involvement with Tall Ships Erie 2013, as well as the Perry 200 is truly an honor for Erie FCU.
eriepa.com
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Water In Our Region
St. Lawrence II
The St. Lawrence II is a purpose built training vessel in operation since 1957, primarily on the Great Lakes. She was designed to be manageable by a young crew, yet complex enough with her brigantine rig to introduce teenagers to the challenge of squarerig sailing. The ship is owned and operated by Brigantine Inc., a nonprofit charity and is one of the pioneering sailing training programs in North America.
Sponsor: Logistics Plus
Docked at the Erie Maritime Museum www.brigantine.ca Homeport: Kingston, ON, Canada
Length of Deck: 57’ Sparred Length: 72’ Rig Height: 54’ Sail Area: 2,560 square feet
Sponsoring the St. Lawrence II for the 2013 Erie Tall Ships Festival was a natural fit for Logistics Plus, a silver investor with the ERCGP. As a global logistics company, we constantly arrange for ships to transport freight all over the world. And as a vessel built for historical preservation, the St. Lawrence II mirrors Logistics Plus’ commitment to restore and preserve Erie’s historic Union Station and keep the spirit of Erie alive!
Peacemaker
Peacemaker was built in southern Brazil using traditional methods and the finest tropical hardwood. First launched as the Avany in 1989, the ship was purchased in the summer of 2000 by Twelve Tribes. They then spent the next seven years replacing all of the ship’s mechanical and electrical systems and rigging it as a barquentine. It set sail for the first time in 2007 under the name Peacemaker.
SPONSOR: Erie Insurance
Erie Insurance, a platinum investor with the ERCGP, is proud to support the Tall Ships Festival, Flagship Niagara and Perry 200. The company is committed to Erie and continues to invest in the region in a variety of ways because they believe that it continues to make Erie a wonderful place to live.
Docked at the Convention Center www.peacemakermarine.com Home Port: Brunswick, GA
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Length of Deck: 124’ Sparred Length: 150’ Rig Height: 123’ Sail Area: 10,000 square feet
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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE
PAID
Permit # 298 Erie PA
208 East Bayfront Parkway Suite 100 Erie, PA 16507
August 15
5:00–7:00 p.m. JET 24, FOX 66 & YourErie.com 8455 Peach Street Erie, PA
September 19
Business After Hours is a members only networking event of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership. Contact Cathy Noble at (814) 454.7191 x146 or cnoble@eriepa.com for more information.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
5:00–7:00 p.m. Girl Scouts of Western PA 5681 Route 6N Edinboro, PA
October 24
5:00–7:00 p.m. Edinboro University of PA 219 Meadville Street Edinboro, PA