ERIE Magazine Oct/Nov 2015

OCT/NOV 2015

DOES YOUR HOME MAKE THE GRADE? A New Generation of Builders Educate iLÕÞiÀÃ iÀ}Þ vwV i VÞ

ERIE EDUCATES Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership

Erie Vital Signs Special Report: EDUCATION

A Special Report on Education in Our City

Improving Erie’s Health Literacy and Primary Care Quality A Toolkit to Manage Diabetes

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ERCGP BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2015 OFFICERS Dr. Keith Taylor, Ph.D., CHAIR Marsha Marsh, VICE-CHAIR David Tullio, SECRETARY Mike Weber, TREASURER

Ă€Âˆi ,i}ˆœ˜>Â? Â…>“LiĂ€ E Ă€ÂœĂœĂŒÂ… *>Ă€ĂŒÂ˜iĂ€ĂƒÂ…ÂˆÂŤ x -ˆ}˜>ĂŒĂ•Ă€i Ă›iÂ˜ĂŒĂƒ

SAVE THE DATE

11-5

Annual Meeting

Thursday, November 5th, 2015 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Bel-Aire Hotel & Conference Center 2800 West 8th Street Erie, PA œˆ˜ Ă•Ăƒ vÂœĂ€ ĂŒÂ…i w˜>Â? -ˆ}˜>ĂŒĂ•Ă€i Ă›iÂ˜ĂŒ of 2015!

-ÂŤÂœÂ˜ĂƒÂœĂ€ĂƒÂ…ÂˆÂŤĂƒ >Ă›>ˆÂ?>LÂ?iÆ V>Â?Â? -ĂŒiĂ›i 7>Â?ĂŒiĂ€Ăƒ >ĂŒ ­nÂŁ{ÂŽ {x{‡Ç£™£ Ă?ÂŁ{ä vÂœĂ€ `iĂŒ>ˆÂ?Ăƒt

PRESENTED BY OUR 2015 SPONSORS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dr. Keith Taylor, Ph.D. Dr. Jay Badams Joel Berdine John C. Bloomstine Carl M. Carlotti, Esq. Terrence W. Cavanaugh Gary L. Clark Mark Denlinger, Esq. Jim Fiorenzo Dr. Ralph Ford Charles ‘Boo’ Hagerty Tim Hunter Bruce Kern Charles G. Knight John Leemhuis, Jr. Candace Littell Marsha Marsh ERCGP STAFF Barbara C. Chaffee President/CEO Jacob A. Rouch Vice President, Economic Development

James E. Martin Bob Mazza Marlene D. Mosco Jack Munch Ken Nelson Rick Novotny Neil Parham James Rutkowski, Jr. Nick Scott, Jr. Ron Steele David M. Tullio Tom Tupitza, Esq. Russell S. Warner, Esq. Michael Weber Scott Whalen, Ph.D. Dr. Julie Wollman, Ph.D. Scott Wyman

Nadeen M. Steffey Director of Marketing and Communications Cathy Noble Event Coordinator

August P. Schiava Vice President, Chamber

Susan M. Ronto Membership Coordinator

Linda C. Robbins (KPCPEKCN 1HĆ‚EGT

Steve Walters Sales Manager

Benjamin C. Pratt Executive Director, Growth Partnership Division

Brett Wiler Director of Business Action Team

EDITOR Nadeen M. Steffey DESIGN PAPA Advertising PAPAadvertising.com ADVERTISING INFORMATION Steve Walters (814) 454-7191 x140 swalters@eriepa.com

ERIE MAGAZINE OCT/NOV 2015

New Investors FE ATURE AR TICLE Does Your Home Make the Grade?

A New Generation of Builders Educate iLÕÞiÀÃ iÀ}Þ vwV i VÞ

by Ben Block REGIONAL INITIATI V E UPDATE S Career Street Update

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SPECIAL EDITION Beer on the Bay

18

8 IN E ACH ISSUE

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Erie Vital Signs Special Report: EDUCATION

22

Improving Erie’s Health Literacy and Primary Care Quality

26

Organizational Updates

12

Ribbon Cuttings

28

Business After Hours

30

OCT/NOV 2015

ERIE EDUCATES

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Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership

New Investors SILVER LEVEL

Escape Room Erie

Direct Energy Business is part of one of the largest retail energy providers in North America and a champion in serving businesses’ diverse energy needs. Our deep expertise and commitment to addressing our customer’s unique energy demands is how we earn our customers trust and help make their businesses better.

Scott Leah 23 West 10th Street / Erie, PA 16501 PH: (412) 592-1929 / www.escaperoomerie.com

Direct Energy Business

Micheal Ripper One Hess Plaza Woodbridge, NY 07095 PH: (732) 750-7435 / www.business.directenergy.com

INVESTOR LEVEL 2W Technologies, Inc.

2W Technologies offers a full suite of ERP Consulting and IT Services. Specializing in Epicor ERP, Microsoft networks and managed services.

Ken Smith 5240 Knowledge Parkway / Erie, PA 16510 PH: (814) 333-3117 / FAX: (855) 855-4033 www.2wtech.com

Al’s Awning Shop Inc.

Al’s awning shop manufactures custom made awnings for residential and commercial businesses. Specialty industrial fabrics, tarps, curtains and returnable packaging. /KEJGNG 3WCFTK $WVVGTƂGNF 1721 West 26th Street / Erie, PA 16506 PH: (814) 456-6264 / www.alsawning.com

Cloud 9

We invite you to experience our new casual-chic space for a quick but sophisticated lunch, drinks with friends after work, pre-game or pre-show dinner (or just a leisurely dinner when you want something original), or a late night snack in our comfortable lounge. Whatever the occasion, our friendly, knowledgeable and dedicated staff is here to make you feel at home.

Bertrand Artigues 25 East 10th Street / Erie, PA 16501 PH: (814) 882-9992 / www.cloud9erie.com

Best Foot Forward Advertising

Best Foot Forward Advertising is a rebirth of the Avanti Business Center, which served the region for decades.

Today it is once again a full service, and industry recognized distributor of Promotional Products. From the basic pencil to leather portfolios from refrigerator magnets to semi-truck decals; if you can imagine it then we can likely come to reality with Best Foot forward Advertising.

Donald Herman 756 Pine Street / Meadville, PA 16335 PH: (814) 573-6110 / www.bestfootforwardadvertising.com

OCT/NOV 2015

An interactive, immersive puzzle game. There are puzzle riddles to solve. Gadgets to explore. Team mates have 60 minutes to use critical thinking, problem solving and creativity to solve and use clues provided.

Golden Wok

Offering delicious dining, carryout and delivery to Erie, Pennsylvania. Golden Wok Chinese is a cornerstone in the Erie community and has been recognized for its outstanding Chinese & Asian cuisine, excellent service and friendly staff. Our Chinese restaurant is known for its modern interpretation of classic oriental dishes and its insistence on only using high quality fresh ingredients.

Lin Wen 3202 Pittsburgh Avenue / Erie, PA 16508 PH: (814) 836-9657 www.goldenwokchineseerie.com/home-page/

Lloyd Walker

Consultants – Our mission is to help buyers reduce the acquisition cost of real estate by maximizing business performance of preferred professionals.

Lloyd Walker PO Box 311 / Erie, PA 16512 PH: (504) 416-7200 / www.rersol.com

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Since 1987, we’ve been making history by bringing together great employees and employers throughout the country. We are excited to be in the area and excited to be able to offer new jobs to the people in the surrounding communities.

Duane Carlson 466 South Shady Avenue / Corry, PA 16407 YYY RGQRNGNKPMUVCHƂPI EQO

Wagner Giblin Insurance Agency

A full service independent insurance agency offering coverage for Auto, Home, Business, Life and Health Insurance.

Thomas Giblin 3928 Avonia Road PO Box 280 / Fairview, PA 16415 www.wagner-giblin.com

ERIE EDUCATES

BY THE numbers 91 participating businesses

Are you one of them?

Join local employers, educators and non-profits as they work in partnership to provide career exploration opportunities to Erie County youth.

4,404 engaged students

) Workplace tours ) Career fairs ) Internships ) Career day speakers ) Job shadowing ) Mentoring

41 school partners

Help us pave the way for a skilled and engaged workforce.

1 07 available experiences AND GROWING!

www.CareerStreetErie.org 814.464.8614 jpontzer@CareerStreetErie.org

Traditional Values & Cutting Edge Solutions Quality UÊÊÊService UÊÊÊPerformance FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

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1425 W 8th Street Erie, PA 16502

Ph: 814.452.3691

reedsales@reedmfgco.com

5

OCT/NOV 2015

R E G I O NA L U PDATE

Contributed by Jennifer Nygaard Pontzer Career Street is an interactive project of the Erie County Technical School Foundation that has been functioning in the Erie area for more than a year and a half. Born out of community discussions that developed around the need for local employers to interact with local educators for students to have access to a variety of quality local career exploration experiences, Career Street has become a recognized program among the stakeholders offering worksite tours, job shadow opportunities, speakers in the classroom, career fair representatives, and more.

To date, Career Street has provided students with more than 4,500 career exploration experiences. Some of these experiences have taken the shape of employees from businesses volunteering to speak before a class or even an assembly of students. Other experiences have DGGP Ć‚GNF VTKRU VQ NCTIGT GORNQ[GTU YJGTG VJG[ tour the facilities and see the business in full operation, interact with employees and in some cases touch, try or taste the products. Some career exploration experiences are one on one, for instance a job shadow or unpaid internship; students get a good sense of that career and what it would be like for them. Almost 100 local businesses are registered on the Career Street website. Career Street will only work when schools and businesses actively participate.

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All the school districts and the catholic diocese within Erie County are participating; all Erie County students K-12 should have access to Career Street through their school. Not only have schools been working with the local employers for the career exploration experiences, they JCXG CNUQ EQPVTKDWVGF Ć‚PCPEKCNN[ 'CEJ UEJQQN pays an annual membership fee and that money is returned to the district in the form of reimbursement for career exploration activities UWEJ CU VTCPURQTVCVKQP VQ CPF HTQO Ć‚GNF VTKRU mini grants to offset the costs of a career fair, materials needed career exploration project, or even related technology programing. Additionally, Career Street has received generous grants from The Erie Community Foundation and the United Way of Erie County.

FOR CAREER STREET TO CONTINUE TO GROW AND BE SUCCESSFUL, LOCAL EMPLOYERS OF ALL SIZES MUST BE ENGAGED. Want to become involved? Go to www.CareerStreetErie.org and register. Contact Jennifer Nygaard Pontzer at JPontzer@CareerStreetErie.org. This is your chance to have an impact on the youth of today and the workforce of tomorrow.

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Builder Dominic Maleno and his sister Natalie Maleno Washburn, a broker realtor for Maleno Development, review the building plan of a new housing development.

OCT/NOV 2015

ERIE EDUCATES

DOES YOUR HOME MAKE THE GRADE? A New Generation of Builders Educate +RPHEX\HUV RQ (QHUJ\ (̇FLHQF\ Ben Block

œ…˜ >Â?i˜œ wĂ€ĂƒĂŒ ĂƒĂŒ>Ă€ĂŒi` LĂ•ÂˆÂ?`ˆ˜} …œ“iĂƒ amid the oil crisis of the late 1970s at a time of ĂœÂˆ`iĂƒÂŤĂ€i>` Vœ˜ViĂ€Â˜ ÂœĂ›iĂ€ i˜iĂ€}Ăž ivwVˆi˜VÞ° As homeowners again express concern about how to limit their energy use, the next generation of the Maleno family is looking to continue their father’s work by capturing the attention of energy-conscious buyers.

With the help of a Penelec program, Maleno Development is educating customers about …œ“i i˜iĂ€}އivwVˆi˜VĂž vi>ĂŒĂ•Ă€iĂƒ ĂŒÂ…Ă€ÂœĂ•}Â… ĂŒÂ…i use of an energy-rating system. Once customers are armed with greater information, the Maleno v>“ˆÂ?Ăž ÂˆĂƒ Vœ˜w`iÂ˜ĂŒ ĂŒÂ…>ĂŒ LĂ•ĂžiĂ€Ăƒ ĂœÂˆÂ?Â? ÂœÂŤĂŒ vÂœĂ€ …œ“iĂƒ >VĂ€ÂœĂƒĂƒ Ă€Âˆi ÂœĂ•Â˜ĂŒĂž ĂŒÂœ Li Â“ÂœĂ€i ivwVˆiÂ˜ĂŒ ĂŒÂ…>˜ ever before.

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DEMAND FOR ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOUSING ON THE RISE A 2015 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) survey reported that, as Millennials iÂ˜ĂŒiĂ€ ĂŒÂ…i Â…ÂœĂ•ĂƒÂˆÂ˜} “>ÀŽiĂŒ] Â“ÂœĂ€i i˜iĂ€}އivwVˆiÂ˜ĂŒ construction practices are becoming a greater priority.

NAHB found that 84 percent of buyers ages 2035 are willing to pay 2-3 percent higher prices so long as they can see a return through lower energy bills.

Builder Dominic Maleno, who joined the family business in 1991 at the age of 20, said many of his newer customers are indeed willing to pay extra to save energy.

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Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership

Âş7i LiÂ?ˆiĂ›i ĂŒÂ…>ĂŒ i˜iĂ€}Ăž ivwVˆi˜VĂž ÂˆĂƒ Ă›>Â?Ă•i` LĂž consumers today,â€? said Maleno, who grew up working for his father’s earlier homes. “If we can show them true savings from a more energyivwVˆiÂ˜ĂŒ …œ“i] Ă•ĂƒĂ•>Â?Â?Ăž ˜ˆ˜i ÂœĂ•ĂŒ Âœv ĂŒi˜ ĂœÂˆÂ?Â? Li on board.â€?

WHAT MAKES A HOME ENERGY EFFICIENT? Maleno homes incorporate a variety of energyivwVˆi˜VĂž “i>ĂƒĂ•Ă€iĂƒÂ° Ć‚Â“ÂœÂ˜} ĂŒÂ…i Â“ÂœĂƒĂŒ ÂˆÂ“ÂŤÂœĂ€ĂŒ>Â˜ĂŒ factors are ensuring that the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is properly installed as well as keeping the home airtight.

When installing the HVAC system, special attention is given to insulate and air seal the ductwork.

Rather than relying on tape to seal the duct system, a waterproof joint sealer is used instead.

Maleno has found that he can increase the overall comfort of a home by laying a foundation with continuous foam board behind the concrete, providing an extra layer of insulation.

Depending on the season, hot or cool air is retained by applying spray foam into the walls, sealing air penetrations >˜` Ă•ĂƒÂˆÂ˜} …ˆ}…‡ivwVˆi˜VĂž windows and doors.

Penelec, Penn Power and West Penn Power.

To date, 125 builders are participating in the program.

The program offers builders who achieve 30 percent energy savings over code a rebate of $350 plus 10¢ for each kWh saved annually over a reference home built to the standard 2009 International Energy Conservation Code.

Additional incentives are available for homes built to standards of the ENERGY STARÂŽ program, the same U.S. Environmental Protection Ć‚}i˜VĂž ­ *Ć‚ÂŽ ÂŤĂ€Âœ}Ă€>“ ĂŒÂ…>ĂŒ ÂŤĂ€ÂœÂ“ÂœĂŒiĂƒ ivwVˆi˜VĂž for home appliances. “Across Pennsylvania we are seeing more and Â“ÂœĂ€i …œ“iLĂ•ĂžiĂ€Ăƒ Li˜iwĂŒ from builders choosing to i“LĂ€>Vi i˜iĂ€}އivwVˆiÂ˜ĂŒ construction practices,â€? said Program Coordinator Mike Arblaster. “Customers who want greater comfort in their home and lower utility bills are wise to encourage their homebuilders to participate.â€?

³(QHUJ\ ḢFLHQF\ LV YDOXHG E\ FRQVXPHUV WRGD\ ,I ZH FDQ VKRZ WKHP WUXH VDYLQJV IURP D PRUH HQHUJ\ ḢFLHQW ZD\ RI EXLOGLQJ D KRPH XVXDOO\ QLQH RXW RI WHQ ZLOO EH RQ ERDUG ´ ¹ 'RPLQLF 0DOHQR

HERS INDEX ADDS TRANSPARENCY TO HOME ENERGY USE To participate, homes must undergo an independent evaluation and receive a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index, a performance score “What we offer is a package. It’s not just Âœv ĂŒÂ…i …œ“iÂ˝Ăƒ i˜iĂ€}Ăž ivwVˆi˜VĂž ĂŒÂ…>ĂŒ ÂŤĂ€ÂœĂ›Âˆ`iĂƒ insulation; it’s a system of many different quality transparency to homebuyers looking to products working together,â€? Maleno said. “We understand future energy use. The HERS can build a house that will pass code, or we can ÂœvviĂ€ ÂœĂ•Ă€ i˜iĂ€}އivwVˆi˜VĂž ÂŤ>VÂŽ>}i ĂŒÂ…>ĂŒ ĂœÂˆÂ?Â? Ăƒ>Ă›i Index scores homes on a scale from 0 to 150, with a lower score indicating a more energymoney on a monthly basis.â€? ivwVˆiÂ˜ĂŒ …œ“i° FIRSTENERGY INCENTIVIZES ENERGYThe U.S. Department of Energy reports that EFFICIENT HOME CONSTRUCTION a typical resale home scores 130 on the HERS Maleno began incorporating more energyIndex, while a standard newly constructed home ivwVˆiÂ˜ĂŒ ĂŒiVÂ…Â˜ÂˆÂľĂ•iĂƒ ĂŒÂ…Ă€ÂœĂ•}Â… ĂŒÂ…i Â…iÂ?ÂŤ Âœv ĂŒÂ…i falls around 100. Maleno homes have received *iÂ˜Â˜ĂƒĂžÂ?Ă›>˜ˆ> ˜iĂ€}Ăž vwVˆiÂ˜ĂŒ iĂœ œ“iĂƒ average HERS Index scores in the low 40s, *Ă€Âœ}Ă€>“] > w˜>˜Vˆ>Â? ˆ˜ViÂ˜ĂŒÂˆĂ›i ÂŤĂ€Âœ}Ă€>“ ÂœvviĂ€i` according to Steve Lipchik, owner of The Energy

by FirstEnergy’s Pennsylvania utilities: Met-Ed, OCT/NOV 2015

ERIE EDUCATES

> i iÛi « i Ì >à LÕ Ì Ài Ì > £]äää ÕÃià > ` Èää >«>ÀÌ i Ì Õ Ìà >VÀ Ãà À i Õ ÌÞ° / i À >ÌiÃÌ ià evaluate energy performance using the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index

Center, an Edinboro-based Home Energy Rater who has inspected homes built by Maleno over the past decade.

“To my knowledge, no other builders in Erie are using a HERS Index for a rating,” Lipchik said.

“That doesn’t mean other builders aren’t doing a high-quality job. But their work hasn’t been tested and evaluated using the HERS Index, so there’s no way to prove that they have a better house.”

home should save them energy and money over time.

Incorporating the HERS Index into the homeselling process also creates an opportunity to educate homebuyers about advanced energyivwV i VÞ i>ÃÕÀiÃ Ì >Ì ÜiÀi Ì >Û> >L i years ago.

“Before, building a house was simply about sticks and bricks,” Maleno said. “Now there is a whole new science of building. It’s about creating a complete system that performs to meet the energy needs and comfort of the customer.”

EDUCATING HOMEBUYERS ON SAVING ENERGY As the Erie housing market slowly gains i ÌÕ ] > i V à `iÀà i iÀ}Þ ivwV i VÞ For more information about the Pennsylvania an important marketing tool. The HERS Index iÀ}Þ vwV i Ì iÜ ià *À }À> ] Û Ã Ì «À Û `ià iLÕÞiÀÃ Ü Ì V w`i Vi Ì >Ì Ì i À EnergySavePa.com.

eriepa.com

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O R G A N I Z ATI O NA L U PDATE

CHAMBER

by August P. Schiava, Vice President, The Chamber Division

T h e C h a m b e r D i v i s i o n Te a m continues to educate our membership and our community in a variety of ways. We remind our members of the benefits and features that are available to them if they are engaged. We communicate via constant contact, e-mail, Currents, Erie Magazine, phone, social media, go to meeting, face to face, and less often through written correspondence (remember snail mail) and bring in sponsorships providing necessary funds to successfully execute our Signature Events. We bring relevant business news and pending governmental actions through our membership in the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and the United States Chamber of Commerce. We also bring regional resources to bear whenever needed to help our members with any business concerns that are directed to our attention.

Our team is continuously seeking regional businesses and organizations t hat ca n benef it in ERCGP Membership. Testimonials and referrals from our Board of Directors, current members, Erie Ambassadors a nd t he Cha mber Division Committee are the best sources for new investors. At certain times in the Spring and the Fall we conduct a sales effort where we encourage the entire organization to bring in a member.

However, throughout the year our team actively engages with new OCT/NOV 2015

prospects. Sometimes our leads come from our community involvement and the relationships that we establish as a member of boards, groups, and organizations that each team member chooses to be active in, contributing to and enhancing the community quality of life, entrepreneurship, collaboration, cooperation, and at the same time educating oneself.

The Chamber Division’s charge is to provide the platform to elevate the ERCGP as the premier business & community organization in the region.

Through education and strategic actions we deliver value by creating an environment of opportunities as mentioned previously, to connect and share information through our diverse, engaged, sustainable and robust network of members.

We encourage member business to business engagement as well. The bottom line is for our team to provide customer centric quality services to our membership and retain current members while adding new active members that plan to be engaged in our events and value added services. As our team moves forward on all fronts the revenue is maintained and even increased in order to support the budget projections for all three divisions of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.

To help update our processes we will be conducting a membership survey

to measure our performance and find out possible trends that we may need to address. Please watch for the survey and participate! It will only take a few moments of your time.

Keep up to date with all of our organizational happenings at eriepa.com

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ERIE EDUCATES

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11

25 Years of

Problem Solving PAPA Advertising is celebrating 25 years in business and we owe it all to you. Thank you for your trust in us with your marketing needs.

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OCT/NOV 2015

O R G A N ERIE I Z ATI OEDUCATES NA L U PDATE

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

by Jake Rouch, Vice President, The Ecomomic Division

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Education is the stepping stone toward a better life. All of us are on a

2232 W. 23rd St. Erie, PA 814.453.6564

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When people see job opportunities and the ability to earn a quality wage to support their families, they have hope.

When people have hope and faith in the future, they make better decisions for themselves and the world around them. So while on one hand the effort to build a sustainable training system to provide manufacturers with the workers they need, it also is an important step in building a stronger, better community.

So let’s all roll up our sleeves….the benefit from such an effort is a better community.

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For the last 50 years, the region and the country have seen manufacturing employment drop as global competition increased and automation reduced the demand for workers. Combine this “business” reality with the strong marketing of colleges and universities,

But manufacturing is not remotely dead. Especially in Erie. Our manufacturing sector still employs nearly double the national average in manufacturing. While there are fewer companies in the sector today than fifty years ago, the companies that remain are sophisticated, world-class competitors. The greatest long-term challenge they face is not NAFTA or China, it is consistently finding the skilled workers they need to compete. The Erie Regional Chamber shares this recognized need with our manufacturers and will do whatever it can to help craft a long-term, sustainable solution. We will help spread the message of opportunity for careers and family-sustaining wages within our manufacturing sector.

continuing pathway of learning – as employees, leaders, spouses, parents, friends, and citizens. Thankfully, we have great assets all around us to help us learn. Now is the time for us as a community of dedicated citizens to build a new asset – one focused on building the next generation of skilled workers who will help to keep our bank of world-class manufacturers growing and vibrant for decades to come.

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We have heard on numerous occasions a popular sentiment from the public that leaders want to build a tourism economy to replace our proud manufacturing past. This sentiment is misguided in that it implies that we must do one at the expense of the other.

That is simply just not true. Tourism employment has grown as new assets have been added to our economy. Assets predominantly added by entrepreneurs who saw opportunity driven by the demand in the marketplace for more services and attractions.

the military, and a constant message to the public that manufacturing was dying, and the result was dramatic disinvestment in manufacturing training.

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By the time you are reading this piece, Manufacturing Day will have come and gone. Hopefully, that one-day focus on manufacturing will generate new interest by our youth in manufacturing. What will remain is demand by our local manufacturing sector for skilled workers. The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership recognizes this demand and pledges to work hand-in-hand with manufacturers to build a systemic, sustainable approach to training a new battalion of manufacturing employees – in partnership with existing training organizations, Erie Careerlink, and any other partners who want to join in creating that solution.

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E A R S

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O R G A N I Z ATI O NA L U PDATE

GROWTH PARTNERSHIP

by Ben Pratt, Executive Director, Growth Partnership Division The world of community development is evolving, and increasingly we see the business community as its next door neighbor. Citizens, like employees, are becoming increasingly interconnected. Getting the most out of top talent means anticipating – and managing – complex and constant change. This change is quite prolific in corporate America. For profits and non-profits are shifting their work environments and culture to attract the employees they need; employees that simply work differently than their predecessors.

In a recent Erie Times News Q&A, Young Erie Professionals’ (YEP) president Chris Arkwright was asked, “Why is it important for Erie’s young professionals to join YEP? He responded, “When you join YEP, you become part of an organization which has an amazing potential. You have the ability to become an agent of change‌â€?

The Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership believes in Arkwright’s sentiment and in the direction that the YEP’s board and steering committee have taken in the last year. As you know, our own mission is to collaborate and mobilize leadership, expertise and resources to sustain business, create jobs, grow investment, enrich lives and improve the prosperity of the region.

Our members have identified that empowering Erie’s young professionals within their organizations is critical to fulfilling that mission.

Over the last year, the YEP board, steering committee members and volunteers have worked to turn their organization into a destination for constant collaboration and innovation – a place where people have the power to learn and share. Keeping up the momentum is critical, which is why it is with great pleasure we announce the merger of the Young Erie Professionals and the Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership.

YEP will become part of the Growth OCT/NOV 2015

Pending ratification by the membership at the Annual Meeting scheduled for November 5th

Partnership Division of the ERCGP, underway, strengthening the platform and will maintain their active seat on for the next generation of leaders is the ERCGP Board of Directors. critical. We are truly excited for the added benefits to members of both The timing couldn’t be better. With organizations and are looking forward the implementation of EMERGE to growing together toward a brighter 2040, the city comprehensive plan future for our businesses and our and all of the other community efforts community.

Business Banking No matter what your business demands, Northwest delivers.

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' " % !" *Subject  to  credit  approval.  See  Bank  for  details. **Northwest  Investment  and  Trust  Services  also  uses  the  service  marks  “Northwest  Investment  Services,â€?  “Northwest  Retirement  6HUYLFHV´ DQG Âł1RUWKZHVW ,QVXUDQFH 6HUYLFHV´ WR SURYLGH LQYHVWPHQW DQG ZHDOWK PDQDJHPHQW DFWXDULDO DQG ÂżGXFLDU\ VHUYLFHV DQG HPSOR\HH EHQHÂżW SODQV 6HFXULWLHV DUH RIIHUHG WKURXJK DQG DGYLVRUV DUH UHJLVWHUHG ZLWK &HWHUD ,QYHVWPHQW 6HUYLFHV //& PHPEHU FINRA/SIPC.  Advisory  Services  are  offered  through  Northwest  Advisors,  Inc.  Cetera  Investment  Services  LLC  is  independent  of  Northwest  Advisors,  Inc.  and  Northwest  Bank.  Fixed  annuities,  life  insurance  and  long  term  care  products  and  advice  may  be  provided  by  Northwest  Bank,  a  licensed  insurance  provider.  Insurance  products  are  obligations  of  the  insurers  who  issue  the  policies.  A  decision  to  SXUFKDVH LQVXUDQFH ZLOO QRW DIIHFW WKH FRVW RU DYDLODELOLW\ RI RWKHU SURGXFWV RU VHUYLFHV IURP 1RUWKZHVW %DQN RU LWV DIÂżOLDWHV RU VXEVLGLDULHV Northwest  does  not  provide  legal,  tax  or  accounting  advice.  Northwest  Bank  is  Member  FDIC. Investments: Not  FDIC  Insured.  Not  Bank  Guaranteed.  May  Lose  Value.  Insurance:  Not  FDIC  Insured.  Not  Bank  Guaranteed.  May  Lose  Value.  Not  a  Bank  Deposit.  Not  Insured  by  Any  Government  Agency.

A FAMILY BUSINESS BUILT ON INTEGRITY

SUMMIT/NEW YORK 8840 Peach Street, Erie 16509 814.866.8840 MILLCREEK 4202 W. Ridge Road, Erie 16506 814.833.8840 CORRY 38 W. Columbus Avenue, Corry 16407 814.664.8840

ERIE EDUCATES

When Marsha Marsh discovered her passion for helping people realize their dreams through real estate, she went all in and never looked back.

As a REALTOR® and family business owner, she knows what it means to be dedicated—to her clients, her community, and her children. Marsha prides herself on a commitment to loyalty and listening to her clients’ needs, hopes, and dreams. With her sons, Laban and Levi, they have built their business on integrity and never stop learning new and better ways to serve their clients.

In addition, we are proud to be recognized as Erie’s trusted advisors when it comes to buying or selling real estate in Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York.

Call one of our offices today and visit www.MarshaMarsh.com for all your real estate needs!

Visit us online! MarshaMarsh.com Follow us!

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BEER ON THE BAY ON A LOVELY SUMMER DAY!

SPECIAL EVENT

It was a picture perfect day July 25th at Liberty Park for the 8th Annual Beer on the Bay craft beer festival. We had 61 craft brewers participate, which is the most yet!

They poured samples for a record breaking crowd of craft beer enthusiasts all day with new libations and familiar favorites being tapped throughout the park. A portion of the proceeds from the event went to the A.N.N.A. Shelter!

We want to thank our presenting co-sponsor, Erie Brewing Company, and a shout out to all our sponsors, brewers, vendors, volunteers, and guests for another successful off-the-charts Beer on the Bay! Save the date for next years fest – July 23, 2016!

Cheers!

OCT/NOV 2015

Save t he for n ex t y Dat e July 2 e ars f e st , 3, 20 16.

C HE E RS!

ERIE EDUCATES

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SPECIAL EVENT

BEER ON THE BAY SPONSORS

SPECIAL THANKS

Arvite Technologies, Inc. C.A. Curtze City of Erie Commercial Paving EmergyCare EMTA Erie Playhouse Erie Water Works Erie Yellow Cab Erie Zoo Flaherty & O’Hara Great Lakes Manufacturing, Inc. HERO BX McCarty Printing Radius CoWork ROG’S INC. Smith Provision Company

OCT/NOV 2015

VIP AREA SPONSORS/BREWERS

Appalacian Brewing Company Ayinger Buffalo Wild Wings DuClaw Brewing Company Erie Ambassadors/ERCGP Erie Beer VIP Candid Photo’s Erie Brewing Company Erie Ice Works ERCGP and Erie Ambassadors Evil Genius Beer Company Five and 20 Spirits & Brewing Franco’s Café – VIP and Brewers Tent Sponsor Giant Eagle Jimmy Johns Lindemans Mad Mex Erie Max & Erma’s Metz Culinary Millcreek Brewing Company North Country Brewing Company Orval Brewery Penn Brewery Petra’s Restaurant - Hooka Presque Isle Ice Cream Rivertowne Brewing Rogue Ales Samual Smith’s Brewery Shipyard Brewing Company Sierra Nevada Brewing Company Southern Tier Brewing Company Smith Provision Company The Brewerie at Union Station Thirsty Dog Brewing Company Utz Snacks Woodchuck Hard Cider

ERIE EDUCATES

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R E G I O NA L U PDATE

Erie Vital Signs Special Report:

EDUCATION

Especially during this commencement season, we want to explore some important trends and issues regarding education in Erie County.

Given the importance of education in fostering lifelong personal and career success, how are we doing locally? A more detailed version of this report is available at the Erie Vital Signs web site. Ă•ĂŒ wĂ€ĂƒĂŒ] ĂŒÂœ Â…ÂœÂ˜ÂœĂ€ >Â?Â? Âœv ÂœĂ•Ă€ Ă€iViÂ˜ĂŒ Ă€Âˆi }Ă€>`Ă•>ĂŒiĂƒ] Â…iĂ€iÂ˝Ăƒ > w˜>Â? +Ă•ÂˆĂ˘ œ˜ ĂƒÂœÂ“i Âœv ĂŒÂ…i more important educational trends in the Â?ÂœV>Â? VÂœÂ“Â“Ă•Â˜ÂˆĂŒĂžÂ° v ĂžÂœĂ• V>Â˜Â˜ÂœĂŒ >Vi ĂŒÂ…i +Ă•ÂˆĂ˘ (with at least 3 correct, since we’ll be grading on a curve), please be sure to visit the Erie Vital Signs website or read this entire report to discover all the answers, some of which may surprise you! As you’ll see, we’ve even included an extra credit question to help you along! (Answers are also given at the end of this report.)

Ă•Â˜i x

EDUCATION QUIZ

1. As of 2013, what percent of Erie County residents aged 25 and older has earned a high school diploma or equivalent?

(A) 5.5%

(C) 40.2%

(B) 15.8%

(D) 95.8%

2. In the 2013-2014 school year, which of the 13 school districts in Erie County had the highest high school graduation rate, and what was that rate?

(A) Erie City, at 85%

(C) Harborcreek, at 90%

(B) General McLane, at 95%

(D) Millcreek Township, at 99%

3. How much higher are the median earnings of Erie residents with a bachelor’s degree compared to the median earnings for all Erie residents?

(A) About 10%

(C) About 50%

(B) About 26%

(D) About 75%

4. Which NHL hockey team recently won the 5VCPNG[ %WR Ć‚PCNU! ­"° °] Ăœi Â?Ă•ĂƒĂŒ ĂŒÂ…Ă€iĂœ ĂŒÂ…ÂˆĂƒ œ˜i in here to see if you’re paying attention! But you’ll receive extra credit for getting it right.)

(A) New York Rangers

(C) Buffalo Sabres

(B) Pittsburgh Penguins

(D) Chicago Blackhawks

5. What percent of eighth-graders in Erie County was assessed during the 2011-2012 school year as having “below basic� Math skills?

OCT/NOV 2015

(A) 3.5%

(C) 12.5%

(B) 5.6%

(D) 25.0%

ERIE R E G I OEDUCATES NA L U PDATE

1.

HOW IMPORTANT IS EDUCATION?

We hear amusing but horrifying statistics all the time concerning the education of our kids: In 2006, only half of our 18-to-24-year-olds V Õ ` w ` iÜ 9 À ­> ` Þ {ί V Õ ` w ` Ohio) on a U.S. map. Economists have studied extensively the role that education plays, not Þ V viÀÀ } «iÀà > Li iwÌà ÃÕV >à improved productivity and hence earnings on the individual, but also in generating positive spillover effects to the society at large. According to estimates in the College Board’s most recent Education Pays report, the median earnings in 2011 of full-time year-round workers aged 25 and over with a bachelor’s degree were almost 60% higher compared to those with just a high school diploma. Those with a high school diploma, in turn, earned about 41% more than those without a high school diploma. Just as for the nation as a whole, data from the Erie Vital Signs show that this positive effect of education on median earnings is visible among Erie County residents. In addition to the effects of higher education, a large and growing body of work suggests that there are ÃÕLÃÌ> Ì > } ÀÕ iV V Li iwÌÃ Ì V> communities from investing in early childhood i`ÕV>Ì ° Ài ÛiÀ] ÀiÃi>ÀV > à w `Ã Ì >Ì additional education may generate positive iÌ>ÀÞ Li iwÌÃ Ì Ì i ` Û `Õ> ÃÕV as higher job satisfaction and improved health, as well as to society in the form of lower crime and increased participation in the political process. Of course, we also need to qualify the estimates of the returns to education by ÀiV } â } Ì >Ì V i}i >Þ Ì Li ÃÕ Ì>L i for everyone, that the quality of education is perhaps even more important than the quantity, and that it’s important to prepare our kids for the careers of the future.

2. SO HOW IS ERIE DOING? 7i LÀ iyÞ >Ì À i½Ã i`ÕV>Ì > performance along various dimensions such as: (A) educational attainment, graduation rates, and the impact on median incomes;

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­ ® «À wV i VÞ Ài>` }] >Ì i >Ì VÃ] science, and writing; (C) educational spending; and (D) early childhood education. These are all important indicators of Erie’s current and potential future stock of human capital that will play a large role in determining the quality of the local area labor force, our productivity, and ultimately the standard of living in our community.

(A) EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, GRADUATION RATES, AND THE IMPACT ON MEDIAN INCOMES Local Achievements: U Ƃà v Óä£Î] Ì i «iÀVi Ì>}i v À i residents aged 25 and older with a high school diploma or GED (40.2%) was higher than the average for the 13 Erie Vital Signs peer areas (28.9%).

U As of 2013, the percentage of Erie County residents aged 18 to 24 with a bachelor’s degree or higher was 9.9%, also above the average for the 13 Erie Vital Signs peer areas (9.2%).

U 7 i Ì iÀi à Û>À >Ì >VÀ Ãà ÃV districts, average high school graduation rates in Erie County compare favorably to those in Pennsylvania and the nation as a whole. In the 2013-2014 academic year, the average high school graduation rate across Erie’s school districts was 87.0%, while it was 85.3% in Pennsylvania.

U / i i` > i>À }à v À i Àià `i Ìà with a bachelor’s degree was about 26% higher than the median earnings for all Erie residents in 2013, and those with more advanced degrees had median earnings that were 64% higher than the median earnings for Erie as a whole.

Room for Improvement: U Ƃ } Ì Ãi >}i` £n Ì Ó{] Ì i ° ¯ v Erie residents with a bachelor’s degree or } iÀ ÀiyiVÌà > `iV i vÀ Ì i ££°ä¯ 2012 and the 12.4% in 2007.

U Ƃ } Ì Ãi >}i` Óx > ` ÛiÀ] À i½Ã percentage with a bachelor’s degree (17.9%) is slightly below the average of 18.2% for the 13 peer areas.

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R E G I O NA L U PDATE

U À Ì Ãi Ü Ì L>V i À½Ã `i}ÀiiÃ] i` > earnings in Erie were only about 86% of the median in the peer areas.

U À i Õ Ì޽à *--Ƃ ÀiÃÕ Ìà v À Ì À` graders do not compare favorably to those for the state of Pennsylvania as a whole.

Policy Implications?

U Given the potential for education to generate higher incomes, we need to sustain (and perhaps even improve) the relatively good performance of the local area with respect to the number of high school graduates and high school graduation rates, as well as to attract and retain those with college or advanced degrees.

U iÛ Ãi VÀi>Ì Ûi ÃÌÀ>Ìi} iÃ Ì «À Ìi economic activities that will ultimately attract higher paying jobs to the region, since this will reduce Erie’s median earnings disadvantage and help prevent “brain drain” from the local economy.

Policy Implications?

All four of the PSSA skill categories (Math, Reading, Science, and Writing) still have room for improvement, although there is variation across Erie school districts with some already performing quite well.

(B) PROFICIENCY IN READING, MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE, AND WRITING Local Achievements: U Ì i Ó䣣 Óä£Ó >V>`i V Þi>À] > ÃÌ 80% of third-graders and almost 75% of eighth-graders in Erie County were assessed as being “advanced” or º«À wV i Ì» >Ì ] Ü i > ÃÌ Çä¯ v third-graders and almost 80% of eighthgraders were assessed as being in these two categories for Reading.

U iÃÃ Ì > x¯ v À i i } Ì }À>`iÀÃ ÜiÀi assessed as having “below basic” Writing skills in 2011-2012.

Room for Improvement: U Ƃ ÃÌ n¯ v Ì À` }À>`iÀÃ À i Õ ÌÞ were assessed during the 2011-2012 school year as having “below basic” Math skills, while almost 19% were assessed as having “below basic” Reading skills.

U Ƃ } i } Ì }À>`iÀÃ À i Õ ÌÞ] 12.5% were assessed during the 2011-2012 school year as having “below basic” Math skills, while over 9% were assessed as having “below basic” Reading skills.

U At the same time, over 20% of eighth-graders were assessed as having “below basic” skills in science, although this trend has also been improving compared to earlier years.

OCT/NOV 2015

(C) EDUCATIONAL SPENDING Local Achievements: U "ÛiÀ Ì i >ÃÌ `iV>`i ­LiÌÜii ÓääÓ ÓääÎ and 2012-2013), educational spending per student across the Erie County school districts increased, on average, by 14.5% in Ài> ÌiÀ Ã] >vÌiÀ >` ÕÃÌ } v À y>Ì ° Room for Improvement: U Ƃà > «iÀVi Ì>}i v Ì i ÃÌ>ÌiÜ `i >ÛiÀ>}i] per student spending in Erie County has fallen to 87.5% in 2012-2013 from 91.8% in 2002-2003.

U Óä£Ó Óä£Î] Ì i iÝ«i ` ÌÕÀi «iÀ «Õ« in Erie County ($12,792) was 3.5% lower than the year before and 12.5% below the statewide average expenditure of $14,622.

Policy Implications?

Although Erie lags behind the state of Pennsylvania in terms of educational spending per student, the policy implications >Ài Ì iViÃÃ>À Þ `iw Ì Ûi > ` V i>À cut. This is because the relationship between educational spending and student performance is still the subject of considerable debate.

There is perhaps somewhat greater agreement that the effect of educational spending per student will depend more on how the money is spent than on how much money is spent. And given this emphasis on improving the effectiveness in allocating educational resources, there have been some recent attempts to measure the return on educational investment.

ERIE EDUCATES

(D) EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Local Achievements: U Óä£Ó Óä£Î] Ì i «iÀVi Ì>}i v V `Ài under the age of 5 in Erie County that participates in various early education programs (57.3%) was higher than the average participation rate across Pennsylvania (43.0%).

U / À Õ} ÕÌ Ì i «iÀ ` vÀ ÓääÇ Óään to 2012-2013, the total participation rate in Erie County has been much higher than the average participation rate in Pennsylvania.

Room for Improvement: U / Ì> «>ÀÌ V «>Ì i`ÕV>Ì L>Ãi` pre-school programs in Erie County has declined somewhat from the 59.4% seen in 2010-2011, with participation rates falling slightly for most programs except Early Intervention and PA Pre-K Counts.

U According to data for the 2012-2013 school year, the percent of Erie County’s children that are exposed to various “risk factors” that could hinder their education is higher than in the state of Pennsylvania as a whole.

Policy Implications?

U Ûi > Ì i ÀiÃi>ÀV ` VÕ i Ì } Ì i long-run positive effects of early childhood i`ÕV>Ì ] Ì Ã Ã `iw Ìi Þ > >Ài> Ü V we should continue to devote economic resources.

U Ì >Þ > Ã Li ÕÃivÕ Ì i`ÕV>Ìi «>Ài ÌÃ on the importance of these early learning opportunities not only for their own kids but for the community as a whole 3. BE INSPIRED & BE INSPIRING! Finally, in keeping with the Erie Community Foundation’s admonition to each of us to be inspired as well as be inspiring, here are some inspiring commencement speeches: Albert Einstein (Physicist) at Swarthmore College, 1938.

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Steve Jobs ­ v Õ `iÀ] Ƃ«« i® at Stanford University, 2005.

Michelle Obama (U.S. First Lady) at Tuskegee University, 2015.

Samantha Power (U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations) at the University of Pennsylvania, 2015.

Aristotle (Greek philosopher) at Plato’s Academy, 350 B.C. ­- ÀÀÞ] Üi½Ài ÃÌ Ãi>ÀV } v À > 9 Õ/ÕLi Û `i on this one!) ______________________________ QUIZ ANSWERS: 1. C, 2. B, 3. B, 4. D, 5. C ______________________________ For more information on these and other topics, visit the Erie Vital Signs website where Þ Õ Ü w ` `>Ì> Õ `Ài`à v Ì i ÃÌ « ÀÌ> Ì À i ` V>Ì Àà ÃiÛi iÞ wi `ð Full disclosure: some of the data listed above for this Special Report are not on the EVS site. ÕÌ Þ Õ V> w ` Ì i Ì iÀ `>Ì> >Ì 6-° Erie Vital Signs (EVS) is a leadership initiative of the Erie Community Foundation. In partnership with the Economic Research Institute of Erie in the Black School of Business at Penn State Behrend, EVS tracks indicators that measure our county’s well-being in seven topical areas: Cultural Vitality, Community and Civic Engagement, Economy, Education, Environment, Health, and Regional Cooperation. Each topical area is overseen by a committee of informed experts who select the indicators to monitor, and review the interpretation of those indicators. The goal of EVS is to inform and inspire. We believe an increased focus on data and evidence-based decision-making will help create positive community change.

This EVS Special Report was written by Dr. Kenneth Louie, Director, Economic Research Institute of Erie, in the Black School of Business, Penn State Behrend.

25

C EOGNI O T RNA I BL UUTPDATE ED COLUMN R

Toolkit for Managing Diabetes

Individuals and Families

Erie Vital Signs measuring progress. inspiring action.

OCT/NOV 2015

ERIE R E G I OEDUCATES NA L U PDATE

Improving Erie’s Health Literacy and Primary Care Quality Contributed by Mark Kresse, PT, FACHE i iwÌÃÉ i> Ì V>Ài > >}iÀ] /À> ë ÀÌ>Ì

Access to high-quality, affordable healthcare is equally important to the Erie region’s competitiveness and sustainability of the local community. We are nearing the end of our third year and have reached new milestones, so it is time we provide an update on the Erie Healthcare Collaboration. Throughout 2015, we have worked toward our two primary objectives: U Improving health literacy (an individual’s capacity to make informed health decisions) regarding chronic, high-cost medical conditions like Diabetes, Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

U Increasing access to high-quality primary care.

Working through our community partners - GE Transportation, Erie Insurance, Erie County Medical Society, Erie County Department of Health, Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership, NW PA Area Health Education Center (AHEC) and The Erie Community Foundation - so far this year, we have: U Created and distributed evidence-based “tool kits” to help key stakeholders – employers, healthcare providers, health plans, community À}> â>Ì Ã > ` ` Û `Õ> Ã q «À Ûi Ì i À efforts to prevent and manage high-cost, chronic medical conditions.

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To date, over 10,000 Diabetes Took Kits and over 1,500 each of the Asthma and COPD Tool Kits have been placed across a variety of Erie County À}> â>Ì Ã] >ÃÃ ÃÌi` Ì Ã ÃÕ iÀ LÞ > ÌiÀ from the Mercyhurst University School of Health Professions and Public Health. The Tool Kits direct individuals to related Erie Vital Signs web content and community performance data (see www.erievitalsigns.org/health/diabetes), which received over 500 page views this summer alone.

U > âi` > ` vÕ `i` > ÃÕÃÌ> >L i «À }À> for training and coaching local, independent primary care providers (those not employed LÞ À >vw >Ìi` Ü Ì > i> Ì ÃÞÃÌi ® µÕ> ÌÞ improvement for management of chronic medical conditions.

Our local and state funding will enable these physicians to collaborate with expert coaches and implement targeted quality improvement methods. After completing the year-long process, practices will be ready to apply for national recognition as a Patient-Centered Medical Home if they choose.

Print versions of the Individual and Families Tool Kits for Diabetes, Asthma and COPD are available v À Þ ÕÀ À}> â>Ì >Ì no cost. To arrange delivery, or for more information, contact Mark Kresse at (814) 875-6620 or mark.kresse@ge.com with the quantity needed.

27

Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership

Ribbon  Cuttings  &  Milestones July 22, 2015

Massage Envy

2070 Interchange Rd, Millcreek Plaza, Unit 220, Erie, PA 16565 Ă•Â?Ăž Ă“Ă“Â˜` “>ÀŽi` ĂŒÂ…i ÂœvwVˆ>Â? Ă€>˜` "ÂŤi˜ˆ˜} Âœv Massage Envy Spa - Erie. A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held at their location off Interchange Road in ˆÂ?Â?VĂ€iiÂŽ *Â?>â>° >ĂƒĂƒ>}i Â˜Ă›Ăž Ă€Âˆi ÂœvviĂ€Ăƒ VĂ•ĂƒĂŒÂœÂ“ÂˆĂ˘i`] therapeutic massages and facials to help relieve the body and mind of stress. The Spa features 13 therapy rooms as well as a beautiful tranquility room for relaxation. Congratulations and welcome to Erie!

July 22, 2015

Grifols Biomat USA 2717 W 26th St, Erie, PA 16506

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on July 22nd made Grifols ˆœ“>ĂŒ 1-Ć‚ Ă€Âˆi Â?ÂœV>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ ÂœvwVˆ>Â?° ÂœV>ĂŒi` œ˜ 7iĂƒĂŒ Ă“ĂˆĂŒÂ… Street, Grifols is a major manufacturer of life-saving plasma therapies produced from donations of human plasma that are used to treat small, chronically-ill patient populations.

The new 12,500 square foot state of the art facility is the latest addition to Grifols’ extensive plasma collection network. Currently, the center employs 30 people locally with expectations to add more employees as the center expands its operations while meeting the needs of patients with rare and chronic conditions who rely on life saving plasma medicines.

August 12, 2015

European Wax Center

Erie Marketplace, 6660 Peach St, Erie, PA 16509 A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held on August 12th marking the grand opening of the new European Wax

iÂ˜ĂŒiĂ€] ĂˆĂˆĂˆĂ¤ *i>VÂ… -ĂŒĂ€iiĂŒ ‡ Li…ˆ˜` iĂƒĂŒ ÕÞ° /Â…i wĂ€ĂƒĂŒ center in the Erie area features a clean, professional environment, six full service Wax Suites, and exceptional service at an affordable price. Students from Toni & Guy were there for tour and demonstrations from the awesome staff. Congratulations to Yvonne and team, and welcome to Erie!

OCT/NOV 2015

ERIE EDUCATES

August 17, 2015

Buffalo Wild Wings

Millcreek Marketplace, 2099 Interchange Rd, Erie, PA 16509 Fresh off of an almost Million Dollar Makeover, BWW is proud to unveil its newly renovated restaurant to the Erie community and celebrated with a Ribbon Cutting on August 17th! Check out the new modern stadium décor with a new party room; a newly designed outdoor patio; over 80 HD TV’s, 30 Beers on Tap and newly remodeled restrooms. They still have their 21 Award Winning signature sauces and seasonings along with their exceptional full menu for everyone. ‘Thank You Erie for almost 10 years and here’s to making memories for the next 10!’ Congratulations!!!

August 18, 2015

Bowling Alley at Hooch and Blotto’s 8071 Peach St, Erie, PA 16509

Congratulations to Scott Enterprises and the addition of Duck Pin Bowling lanes to the Hooch & Blotto restaurant on upper Peach Street! A Ribbon Cutting

iÀi Þ ƂÕ}ÕÃÌ £nÌ vwV > Þ «i i` Ì i > ià for play. The lanes are open to the public, can be reserved for private parties and company challenges!

Now THIS looks like fun!

August 2015

Signs Now Celebrates 25 Years 2232 W 23rd St, Erie, PA 16506

Sue and Dave Hawley gathered family, friends, and clients together over Labor Day weekend to celebrate 25 years in business! A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony commemorated the milestone for Signs Now and the Hawleys. We wish you continued success for another 25 years (and beyond!)! n r r ib b o u l e y o u h y N o b l e d e h c s

To C a t g , c a ll 9 1 x 1 4 6 . c u t t in -­ 7 1 4 5 4 4 ) a t ( 8 1

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

PAID

208 East Bayfront Parkway Suite 100 Erie, PA 16507

PERMIT # 298 Erie PA

October 22 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Grapevine Laundry and Linens 2345 Warfel Avenue Erie, PA

Business After Hours is a monthly members only networking event of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership. On average 250-300 business professionals are in attendance.

Considering being a host location? "ÕÀ Óä£È V> i `>À à w } Õ« v>ÃÌ° Contact event coordinator Cathy Noble at (814) 454-7191 x146 or cnoble@eriepa.com for more info.

November 19 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Mercyhurst University Performing Arts Center 501 East 38th Street Erie, PA December 10 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Ambassador Banquet and Conference Center 7794 Peach Street Erie, PA