ERIE Magazine April-May 2015

APRIL/MAY 2015

A New Session

The PA Chamber is ready to take on challenges to do business in the new session.

Celebration of

Excellence Spring has sprung Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership

Athena PowerLink

速

Meet the 2015 ATHENA PowerLink panel recipients!

Louis J. Tullio Award Winner

Robert G. Dwyer, Esq. eriepa.com

ERCGP Board of Directors 2015 OFFICERS Dr. Keith Taylor, Ph.D., CHAIR Marsha Marsh, VICE-CHAIR David Tullio, SECRETARY Mike Weber, TREASURER

Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership 2015 Signature Events

SAVE THE DATE 4-16

5-21

NEW DATE!

9-23 11-5

Celebration of Excellence

Thursday, April 16th, 2015 Bayfront Convention Center, Erie, PA

Annual Golf Outing

Thursday May 21st, 2015 Peek n’ Peak Resort, Clymer, NY

Fall Member Fest

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2015 Shades Beach, Northeast, PA

Annual Meeting

Thursday, November 5th, 2015 Bel-Aire Hotel & Conference Center Erie, PA

Sponsorships available; contact Brett Wiler at bwiler@eriepa.com for details!

Presented by our 2015 Sponsors

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dr. Keith Taylor, Ph.D. Dr. Jay Badams Joel Berdine Dr. Donald L. Birx, Ph.D. John C. Bloomstine Carl M. Carlotti, Esq. Terrence W. Cavanaugh Gary L. Clark Mark Denlinger, Esq. Jim Fiorenzo 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 Financial Officer

Brett Wiler Director of Business Action Team

Benjamin C. Pratt Executive Director, Growth Partnership Division Editor Nadeen M. Steffey Design PAPA Advertising PAPAadvertising.com

Advertising Information Brett Wiler (814) 454-7191 x137 bwiler@eriepa.com

Erie Magazine April/May 2015

New Investors

Feature Articles A New Session The PA Chamber is ready to take on challenges to do business in the new session.

by Lindsay Andrews

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IN each issue Organizational Updates

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14

Regional Initiative Update 18 Save the Date 25

Ribbon Cuttings 26 Business After Hours

SPECIAL EDITIONs Louis J. Tullio Award

2

Athena Recipients

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My Internship

17

Special E vents ERCGP Growth Partnership CEO Roundtable

21

Ross Blake HR Seminar

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Highmark Check Presentation

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SPECIAL E DITION S TORY

T U L L I O AWA R D W I N N ER

Robert G. Dwyer, Esq. Our congratulations to Bob Dwyer, 2015 recipient of the Louis J. Tullio Community Service Award. Attorney Dwyer will be honored at the ERCGP Celebration of Excellence event on April 16th as part of the evening’s festivities.

The award recognizes a person or persons who have performed outstanding service by actively using abilities, initiatives, resources and energies to sustain and improve the Erie community for present and future generations. Nominations for the Louis J. Tullio Community Service Award are voted on by the Board of Directors of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership annually.

Bob’s letter of nomination states, ‘Not only has Bob been a trusted advisor to many of the region’s largest businesses and their owners for the past four decades, thereby helping our area’s economy to thrive, but his civic leadership and philanthropy have been exemplary, as attested to by the list of community and professional organizations he has served, in most cases as chair of the board. Recently he has completed a term as chair of the Erie Community Foundation board, where he has been active in promoting cooperation among leading community organizations, including the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, to address local challenges in education, health care and other areas.’

Once again, congratulations!

APRIL-MAY 2015

COMMUNITY IMPACT THROUGH REAL ESTATE

CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE

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 is more than where we have our business—Erie is our home. Being dedicated members of Erie County is vitally important to us. By volunteering and taking an interest in the organizations that empower our communities, we help build a commitment of caring and a hope for future generations.

Whether it’s sponsoring our local sports teams, setting up a food drive, teaching financial literacy to students, and more, we dedicate ourselves to serving you.

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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Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership

New Investors AXA Advisors

Global insurance and financial services leader that is present in 56 countries and helps over 100 million clients maintain peace of mind day after day.

Michael DiVito 100 State Street, Suite 100 / Erie, PA 16507 PH: (814) 461 7200 / FX: (814) 461 7239 www.axa.com

Batteries Plus Bulbs

Retail business for every type of battery, light bulb and related products. Will also provide device repair service for cell phones, laptops, tablets, etc., and automotive battery & bulb installations. Also conducting commercial (B to B) and national accounts business.

Emmett Verdecchia 9650 Oliver Road / Waterford, PA 16441 PH: (814) 882 6165

European Wax Center

A leader in comfortable and healthy body waxing.

We provide the ultimate wax experience that features all natural COMFORT WAX, the 4 steps to Gorgeous process and a clean, professional environment with full privacy Wax Suites, and exceptional service.

Yvonne Lopata 6660 Peach Street Erie Marketplace, Unit 7 / Erie, PA 16509 PH: (814) 866 9929 www.waxcenter.com

Fingers Crossed Erie

A web application, web design, and electronic health record company.

Dan Nick 3230 Greengarden Blvd. / Erie, PA 16508 PH: (702) 813 4172 www.fingerscrossederie.com

Hammerlee Dental Care

Hammerlee Dental Care provides each and every patient excellent care in a comfortable setting.

Linda Straub 5158 Peach Street / Erie, PA 16509 PH: (814) 868 3647 / FX: (814) 864 2715 www.hammerleedentalcare.com

APRIL-MAY 2015

Honey Baked Ham & Cafe

We sell whole ham, turkeys and sandwiches in a cafe setting. We also cater.

Jeffery Balogh 7200 Peach Street, Sutie 120/ Erie, PA 16509 PH: (814) 403 5190

Innovation Collaborative

The independent voice of innovators, facilitating, measuring, and communicating progress for Northwest PA’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Beth Zimmer 1540 East Lake Road, Room 371 / Erie, PA 16511 PH: (814) 490 5295 www.innovationcollaborators.com

JDRF

JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. JDRF’s goal is to progressively remove the impact of T1D from peoples lives until we achieve a world without T1D. Diane Sickles 2816 Elmwood Avenue/ Erie, PA 16508 PH: (814) 452 0635 / FX: (814) 452 0645 www.jdrf.org/northwestpa

KinderCare Learning Centers–East

KinderCare offers unique, expertly designed early education programs for infants as young as 6 weeks and school-age children up to age 12.

Amy Loveranes 625 Holland Street / Erie, PA 16501 PH: (814) 453 5260 www.kindercare.com/our-centers/erie/pa

KinderCare Learning Centers–West

KinderCare offers unique, expertly designed early education programs for infants as young as 6 weeks and school-age children up to age 12.

Jessica Carlson 4575 West Lake Road / Erie, PA 16505 PH: (814) 838 4685 / FX: (814) 838 9319 www.kindercare.com/our-centers/erie/pa

CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE

Lincoln Investment Planning, Inc.

Financial planning and investment advising.

Donald Szewczyk 3910 Caughey Road, Suite 208 / Erie, PA 16506 PH: (814) 835 5194 / FX: (814) 835 3846 www.lincolninvestment.com

Mad Mex Erie

Mad Mex serves made from scratch “funky, fresh, Cal Mex” cuisine. The restaurant’s signature dishes are complemented by the unique artistic interiors and festive but casual atmosphere. With the Erie opening, Pittsburgh based Mad Mex will own and operate 13 locations spanning Pennsylvania and Ohio as of late 2014.

654 Millcreek Mall Unit # 385 / Erie, PA 16565 PH: (814) 520 5142 www.madmex.com

Massage Envy Spa

The leading provider of therapeutic massage in the U.S. and is dedicated to providing professional and affordable therapeutic massage service to consumers with busy lifestyles at convenient times & locations. We offer Murad healthy skin facials as well as therapeutic massages.

Yvonne Lopata 2070 Interchange Road Millcreek Plaza, Unit 220 / Erie, PA 16565 PH: (814) 866 3689 www.massageenvy.com

Neely Communications Inc.

Installation of low voltage cabling and fiber optics, security system, overhead paging systems. Hosted phone systems.

Chad Neely 9771 Schoolhouse Drive, Suite A / Wattsburg, PA 16442 PH: (814) 520 5044 / FX: (814) 520 5044 www.neelycom.com

O’Reilly Auto Parts Automotive retail.

James DiLuzio 2737 West 26th Street / Erie, PA 16506 PH: (814) 240 0669 www.oreillyauto.com

Partnership for Erie’s Public Schools

Partnership for Erie’s Public Schools is a 501c3 nonprofit organization supporting Erie’s Public Schools and students.

Daria Devlin P.O. Box 514 / Erie, PA 16512 PH: (814) 406 5387 www.partnershipeps.org

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Proforma A Promo Place

Proforma’s breadth and depth of print, promotional products, and related graphic resources and services enables us to be a marketing agency without the fees.

Chris Shewfelt 202 Bay Mist Drive / Erie, PA 16505 PH: (888) 455 7770 / FX: (888) 375 7770 www.apromoplace.com

Regina Baldwin Realtor

Regina Baldwin Realtor is a full service real estate company experienced in leasing, selling residential, commercial, investment and vacant land properties.

Regina Baldwin Millcreek Square Suite A13 5630 Peach Street / Erie, PA 16565 PH: (814) 836 9595 / FX: (814) 836 9550 www.theerierealtors.com

RGS Products, Inc.

Manufacturer of architectural railing.

Sarah Hayes 455 West 2nd Street / Waterford, PA 16441 PH: (814) 796 4515 / FX: (814) 796 4009 www.rgsproductsinc.com

The Stewart Agency, LLC

Farmer’s Insurance property and casualty; auto, home owners, renters, motorcycle, boat owners and much more. We have the best rates around!

Ashley Rizzo 1946 West 26th Street / Erie, PA 16508 PH: (814) 454 2472 / FX: (814) 454 2479 www.stewartfinancialerie.com

WeCreate, LLC

WeCreate is a practical website design and marketing company. Our passion is helping businesses advance through technology.

Nathan Wheeler P.O. Box 1233 / Erie, PA 16512 PH: (866) 914 4757 www.wecreatewebsites.net

Young Entrepreneur Society

Nonprofit 501c3; Our mission is to provide educational training, professional guidance and long-term mentoring to people who aspire to be self employed and self sufficient.

Kevin Arrington 1001 State Street, Suite 1400 / Erie, PA 16501 PH: (814) 480 5771 / FX: (814) 480 5750 www.justsay-yes.org

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SPECIAL E DITION S TORY

Joellen Nelso

n

Left to right: Ra e Jean Ca tra

Tonya Young, bone, Karen Rzepecki, Megan Marsh

Introducing the 2015 ® ATHENA PowerLink panel recipients!

These five women, representing four women owned businesses in the region, are in for a busy Athena year!

The Athena PowerLink® program is a business mentoring program designed to increase growth and profitability of women owned businesses. It is a nationally recognized resource for the development and improvement of companies owned by women entrepreneurs.

The program links a woman business owner with an advisory panel comprised of volunteers in the Erie community, to work with her at no cost for one year. The goal of the advisory panel members is to help the woman business owner learn how to implement best practices, access capital, and network better.

Here are the 2015 Athena PowerLink® Panel recipients:

Rae Jean Catrabone

Rae Jean Catrabone, is wife to Mark, and mother to Logan, Adrienne & Reed. With a BA in English Writing from the University of Pittsburgh, a Masters Degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, APRIL-MAY 2015

and her Pa Real Estate License, Catrabone has lived across the country from California to Colorado to North Carolina and held positions ranging from retail and property management to teaching to writing advertising copy and marketing. All of her experiences have led to her business ownership, but she believes that she learned the most from her father, a successful small business owner for over fifty years.

SandCille Spa & Treatment Studio was created in 2002 and purchased by Catrabone in 2012. Within her first year of ownership she renovated a space in the Shops at the Colony Plaza to move the business to its new location in December of 2013. Beginning with just 5 employees in the 900 square foot studio, SandCille is now a 2400 square foot luxury spa with 14 employees in less than three years under Catrabone’s leadership.

Catrabone’s goal is simple… to make SandCille the best spa in Erie, for both for its clients and its employees.

Joellen Nelson

Joellen Nelson is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones Investments. She joined Edward Jones in 2000 and built

CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE

an office in North East from scratch starting in 2001.

In addition to working in her capacity as a financial advisor with Edward Jones, Joellen volunteers for the firm in many ways. She is a mentor and a field trainer for new financial advisors, and she spends a lot of time with Edward Jones’ initiative to hire, develop and retain female financial advisors. Joellen has earned many prestigious production awards with the firm including The Winner’s Circle production award, the Century award, the Prospecting award, the Blue Blazer award, and the AF McKenzie, Ted Jones,Ed Armstrong, and Jim McKenzie achievement awards.

In the community, Joellen is a member of the Erie Woman’s Roundtable, The Coffee Club Divas, the North East Choral club and the Park Brass Ensemble. She is also on the Erie Philharmonic Board of Governors.

Joellen resides in North East and is married to Dean. They have 5 children ranging in age from 37 to 19. They enjoy boating, traveling, and spending time with their family.

Joellen is thrilled to be a recipient of an ATHENA PowerLink® Panel because she is a fierce advocate for women in business, and is grateful to be part of a dynamic organization that has done so much for so many women to help improve their businesses, their confidence, and their lives. She is looking forward to not only advancing her own business, but also to giving back to others in the future as part of the organization.

Karen Rzepecki

In the case of Mason Jars Company, makers of reCAP, necessity was the mother of invention. After fumbling around with Mason jar lids and rings, founder Karen Rzepecki designed a cap that can easily shake, pour and store dressing right from a Mason jar. Just 18 months after the aha moment reCAP Mason Jars was born and ready for market. Karen had extensive supply chain and

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business leadership skills from almost 30 years with GE, but little experience with plastics and retail. Ben Franklin Partnership and other regional mentors have been key to her learning and success.

Megan Marsh & Tonya Young

Megan Marsh and Tonya Young manage and own Lake Erie Mortgage, a local mortgage broker who specializes in conventional and government mortgages such as VA, FHA and USDA. Both Megan and Tonya have many years’ experience in the mortgage industry and working together. Tonya was born and raised in Albion, PA and started her mortgage career right out of high school. Megan moved to Erie 10 years ago, leaving a career in accounting to join the mortgage profession. Both women and all of the employees at Lake Erie Mortgage have young families and because of this, have a passion for helping other families achieve the American Dream.

In 2013 Tonya and Megan joined forces to grow Lake Erie Mortgage into a staple of the financial service industry in Erie, PA. They felt that there was a lack of good options for customers who wanted to go to one company and explore all their options. Being women and mothers that have purchased their own homes, investment properties and represented customers for years, they have a skill set and compassion for what families are going through financially and emotionally when buying a home. Their goal is to make the buying process as stress free and straightforward as possible, while giving families the opportunity to receive low rates and look at every product that is out there. They are an independent mortgage brokerage that do not represent any one real estate company or bank. Because of this, they have the opportunity to match their customers with a bank that is the perfect fit for their needs.

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“Next year, the PA Chamber will celebrate 100 years as the frontline advocate for the business community.�

APRIL-MAY 2015

CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE

The PA Chamber is ready to take on challenges to do business in the new session.

By Lindsay Andrews Communications Manager, PA Chamber of Business and Industry

2015 ushered in not only a new year, but a new legislative session with a different political dynamic compared to previous years. Following the General Election last November, the state House and Senate now have the strongest Republican majority that’s been recorded in nearly six decades, and the sitting governor is a Democrat. While it remains to be seen what this unique political pairing might mean in terms of getting bills through the legislative process, the PA Chamber is committed to working with all parties in advocating for a member-driven agenda that will improve the Commonwealth’s economic advantage, continue the state’s upward trend of job creation and boost employer confidence.

Pension Reform Remains Priority Number One Among our top priorities is tackling a public pension debt that threatens to reverse the good work we’ve accomplished in building a better

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business climate over the last several years. Thanks to our efforts with the Corbett Administration and pro-business lawmakers, Pennsylvania now has its lowest unemployment rate since 2008 (at 4.8 percent, according to the latest Department of Labor and Industry statistics); employment increases have been recorded across several industries; and the business tax climate has been made more appealing to would-be investors. The PA Chamber’s Economic Survey in 2014 showed that the majority of employers are more confident about the direction of the economy than they’ve been in years. But this progress can’t make up for the fact that a looming pension liability of more than $50 billion (and growing) from the state’s two largest pension systems—the State Employees Retirement System and the Public School Employees Retirement System—clouds these positive steps forward with the ever-present threat of new and increased taxes on every Pennsylvania citizen.

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Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership

That’s why we’re pressing lawmakers to take up comprehensive pension reform. Last session, with the downgrading of the state’s credit rating largely as a result of the pension debt, it seemed as though they were ready to take action by considering a number of pension reform bills. Then-Governor Tom Corbett also made addressing the pension crisis his number one priority heading into last year’s budget negotiations. The reform proposals ran the gamut from a plan that would change the current defined benefit system into a 401(k)-style, defined contribution system for future employees to one that would rely on borrowing to help pay down the immediate liability. Unfortunately the legislative session ended without any action being taken. This session, we’re continuing the push for pension reform and are pleased that newlyappointed Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, R-Centre, has listed the issue as his top priority, especially since the state will take on more than $1 billion in public pension costs over the next three years alone. Make no mistake—the pension debt presents the single-greatest threat to Pennsylvania’s financial future and its current level of growth is unsustainable. Contrary to what some lawmakers believe, new taxes on employers are not going to solve the problem. Dramatic reforms are needed now.

Encouraging Responsible State Spending Our important annual goal of advocating for a state spending plan that doesn’t increase tax burdens on job creators won’t be easy in 2015, as Pennsylvania faces a sizable funding gap going into the upcoming fiscal year.

Before inauguration day, the Wolf transition team identified a $2.33 billion spending imbalance going into the next fiscal year—a deficit that’s the result of one-time funding shifts from last year’s budget and the growing pension deficit.

During his gubernatorial campaign, Wolf called for a severance tax on the natural gas industry and offered vague plans to raise personal income taxes as a way to help fill this gap. The Independent Fiscal Office projections are slightly more modest at $1.85 billion.

APRIL-MAY 2015

Budget negotiations will get underway in the days after Gov. Tom Wolf presents his first budget address to the General Assembly on Tuesday, March 3. It will be interesting to see how the new governor prioritizes state spending given Pennsylvania’s fiscal challenges in the coming year. We’ll be paying close attention to the plans he sets forth while working to ensure that whatever is proposed to fill the funding gap doesn’t end up placing additional tax burdens on the private sector.

“In addition to fighting against new and increased taxes, we’re also making an effort to reform existing tax laws.”

Fighting for a Fairer Tax Climate In addition to fighting against new and increased taxes, we’re also making an effort to reform existing tax laws. The PA Chamber has been largely successful over the past few years to improve Pennsylvania’s overall tax structure, including reforms to the tax appeals process that prompted the Council on State Taxation to improve the state’s rating in this category from a D to an A-. We also worked to achieve a single sales factor within the Corporate Net Income Tax. But despite these positive strides forward, Pennsylvania still has the dubious distinction of being one of the most expensive states in the nation to do business.

One goal to reverse that distinction this session is to ensure the final phase-out and elimination of the uncompetitive Capital Stock and Franchise Tax that is assessed on every Pennsylvania business regardless as to whether they’ve earned a profit.

Each year, we work to counter efforts by taxand-spend proponents to freeze or roll back the CSFT as a way to increase revenue. In the coming budget cycle, the PA Chamber is committed to ensuring that the long-delayed elimination of this tax goes through and that it’s off the books for good in 2016.

CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE

There’s also the Commonwealth’s corporate net income tax rate, which at nearly 10 percent is the highest flat rate in the nation and the highest in the world when combined with the federal rate. The CNI serves as a major red flag for employers who are looking to invest and grow in Pennsylvania and paints a negative perception of our state’s business climate. Last year, the Tax Foundation released its annual State Business Tax Climate Index, in which it ranked Pennsylvania 46th in corporate tax burden. Lowering this uncompetitive rate is an ongoing priority for our organization because it will open the door to new investment by putting Pennsylvania on level ground with other states’ tax systems.

cutting employee hours, limiting hiring and in some cases, cutting jobs. This issue is already making headlines in the new session and we’re countering that a far more effective way to close the state’s income gap is to give low-wage earners new opportunities to transition upward in their careers through strengthened workforce development programs.

“When it comes to purchasing alcohol, consumers in nearly every state in the nation have access to a convenient system with great selection and fair prices. But that isn’t the case here in Pennsylvania...”

We’re also leading the fight against some lawmakers’ efforts to levy more severance taxes on the natural gas industry and increase income taxes on certain families and businesses. In fighting against these measures we’re urging the legislature to get at the cost-drivers that are increasing taxes in the first place, i.e. the public pension debt that will force governments to continue raising tax rates until comprehensive reforms are implemented.

NWPA NATIONAL TOOLING & MACHINING ASSOCIATION The bottom line is that the state is finally starting to emerge from the recession and create jobs.

Continuing uncompetitive tax rates and/or implementing new taxes will only end up stalling economic growth and will force employers to reconsider whether they’re ready to increase their workforce. This is especially true for the small business community that seems to be constantly fending off a variety of new government taxes and mandates. One of the latest examples is a renewed attempt to raise the state’s minimum wage to between $10 to $12 an hour. Last year, we successfully defeated a proposed minimum 881144--772200--00009944 wage increase by stressing to www.nwpa-ntma.com www.nwppa-n ntma.com lawmakers that such a move could result in small businesses Make Connections • Grow Your Business • Train Educate

LEARN SHARE GROW LEAD

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PROMOTING PROMOTIING CUSTOM CU USTOM PRECISION PRECISIION N MANUFACTURING MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE FOR FOR 50 50 YEARS YEARRS

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Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership

Bringing Choice and Convenience to Liquor Sales When it comes to purchasing alcohol, consumers in nearly every state in the nation have access to a convenient system with great selection and fair prices. But that isn’t the case here in Pennsylvania, where the government still has a Prohibition-era control over the sale of wine and spirits.

As one of only two states (us and Utah) that follow this model, there’s no denying that the system is outdated and inconvenient and it’s time for a change. Recent polling has shown that 60 percent of Pennsylvania consumers want to buy wine, liquor and beer in the same place. Besides being a popular decision, offering more choice and convenience in alcohol sales is also a practical one - it’s been determined that allowing the private sector to enter into the state-run market will help to diminish “border bleed,” a current phenomenon wherein Pennsylvania consumers cross state lines to purchase alcohol, resulting in a loss of millions in annual sales revenue to the Commonwealth.

In fighting for liquor reform we’re pointing out that giving private businesses the opportunity to improve consumers’ choice and convenience will keep those dollars in Pennsylvania, helping us to fill our budget gap and allowing the PA Liquor Control Board to hone in on its true role as an enforcement agency.

Making Pennsylvania A Better Place to Live and Work In our mission to make Pennsylvania attractive to new investment and keep jobs here, the PA Chamber is always focused on ways to reduce the cost of doing business. This means enacting public policies that will reduce frivolous lawsuits, government mandates and a burdensome regulatory environment and why we’ll continue to advocate for lawsuit abuse reform, streamlined permitting and regulatory processes and flexibility in the energy markets.

Additionally, we will seek reforms to outdated and unbalanced labor laws and regulations. These APRIL-MAY 2015

changes are necessary to address abuses and facilitate a fair work environment for both workers and employers.

As we all know, Pennsylvania’s economic viability and long-term prosperity depend upon a welleducated workforce. Businesses throughout the Commonwealth are having problems finding skilled and well-trained workers to fill job vacancies. That is why the PA Chamber has made quality public education—especially workforce development programs—top priorities. Lifelong learning is vital for workers in a consistently evolving economy, and we support workforce development programs that train and prepare employees to meet the needs of today’s new and growing industries.

“As we all know, PA’s economic viability and long-term prosperity depend upon a well educated workforce.”

Next year, the PA Chamber will celebrate 100 years as the frontline advocate for the business community. As that historic celebration draws nearer, we’ll continue to encourage open communication with our broad-based membership as we work together to identify the challenges to doing business and develop policy solutions that will improve the competitive advantage for Pennsylvania’s business community.

Reprinted with permission from the PA Chamber’s quarterly publication, Catalyst.

CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE

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COO U TOENA D LC U O PDATE L U M NS R GNATNRIIZBATI

Organizational Updates

Chamber

by August P. Schiava, Vice President

The Chamber Division Staff and Committee are busy behind the scenes in our waning months of winter and in the early months of spring. We each review our prospective roles in preparation to execute the action plans and budget for 2015.

Membership is a key element in the sustainability of our organization.

Joining the ERCGP provides dues and essential investment in member events, sponsorships, event revenues, advertising and non-dues revenue through affinity programs and logo merchandise.

After periodic review of the action plans and budget, necessary adjustments are made to ensure a successful year for the Chamber Division and the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership. New this year is the first quarter membership campaign which was developed through researching best practices from Chambers in our region that conduct in-house campaigns as well as those recommended through the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals. Our staff took the best ideas from our research and developed a plan. As we are implementing the campaign this first year we already are making some adjustments and plan to expand the length perhaps to last the entire year. It takes a “village” and the volunteer support from all levels of the ERCGP to be successful in this effort.

Another key element in the mix is member retention and loyalty. The staff is continuously working to maintain and improve benefits offered to members (including programs, events, communications/publications, discounts and privileges).

APRIL-MAY 2015

New collateral material has been developed to support our ongoing recruitment efforts and improve the ERCGP branding and revenue development.

Member monthly business after hours events continue to attract hosts that feel this is a great marketing opportunity. An average of 200 plus members attend and believe this is a great networking opportunity to form relationships and valuable future business leads.

Everyone in the division has been working on details for our signature event honoring our members at the 2015 Celebration of Excellence event April 16th at the Bayfront Convention Center. We have also been working on the Annual Golf Outing on May 21st at Peek n’ Peak Resort & Spa and even in January we were receiving calls in reference to Beer on the Bay on July 25th at the Burger King Amphitheater at Liberty Park.

CELEBRATION O R G A N IOF Z ATIEXCELLENCE O NA L U PDATE S

Economic Development

by Jake Rouch, Vice President

While we gladly welcome the transition from a bitter and harsh Winter to what we hope to be a warm and lovely Spring, the Economic Development Division also is in a state of transition.

and create jobs. ERCGP’s loss is GAT’s gain. We all take heart in the fact that Doug will not be far away – his new offices are at 100 State Street – so we can still keep an eye on him!

In the heart of winter, we were saddened to lose Sabrina Chirco to her native Toronto, Canada. Sabrina loved her work with the ERCGP members and entire Erie community, but the pull of family was too strong to keep her. As we have looked for our new Director of Research and Grants, we have been very pleased with the high quality of candidates in Erie, as well as the interest we have received from outside the Erie market. This month you will be receiving notice of our new Director of Research and Grants. We are excited to welcome in a new talent to our team – someone who will serve all of you and Erie with the same passion and professionalism as Sabrina.

Thankfully, the ERCGP bench is deep and we were able to promote within and make Brett Wiler (bwiler@eriepa. com) our new Director of the Business Action Team. Many of you know Brett already as he has been ERCGP’s Account Executive in charge of sales (membership, advertising and event sponsorship) for the past two years.

Brett’s desire to serve businesses at an even more intense and involved level is what drew him to step forward and raise his hand to succeed Doug.

We are grateful for Brett’s passion to serve all businesses in Erie County by proactively connecting to the right people and programs to help them grow. Please do not hesitate to contact Brett (bwiler@eriepa.com; mobile (814) 323-1999; or office (814) 454-7191, ext. 137.) with your needs and connecting you to resources.

In March, our dear friend and colleague – Doug Massey – was selected by Governor Wolf to head up the Northwest Pennsylvania Office of the Governor’s Action Team (GAT).

This is a great opportunity for Doug and for Northwest Pennsylvania business prospects – they will have a first-rate professional with whom to work as they make new investments

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Finally, our agenda of action is in transition with the release of the final Destination Erie report, and, more specifically, the 33 page D e s t i n a t ion E r ie R e g ion a l Economic and Workforce Strategy by the Center of Regional Economic

Competitiveness (CREC). CREC worked with the ERCGP and a 90-member Work Group to develop a dynamic agenda of projects to address critical issues impacting our future growth and success. Equally important, CREC assembled a large quantity of interviews, research, large group meetings, and small group meetings in a dynamic, straight forward strategy that will guide the entire region’s economic development activity for years to come. Please take the time to review the strategy and share your thoughts with us. The Destination Erie Regional Economic and Workforce Strategy can be found at www.emerge2040.org.

At the ERCGP, we find transition and change energizing. Clearly, it brings with it challenges, but those challenges are opportunities to learn new truths about where we can improve our service to each of you as you continue the noble practice of employing people and making Erie a better place to live, work and play.

Onward.

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APRIL-MAY 2015

CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE

SPECIAL E DITION S TORY

My Internship

by Jordan Lober, ERCGP intern A lot of perceptions come to mind when someone says the word “intern�. Stereotypically an intern is the young person, usually a student, in an office, who does nothing but gets coffee or makes copies. Luckily for me, this was not my experience as a Marketing Assistant intern with the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership. I was with the organization during my last semester of college at Edinboro University, where I have been studying Journalism and Mass Communications with a concentration in Print-Journalism for the past four years.

During my time with the non-profit organization, I have been able to take part in a multitude of interesting projects and initiatives geared toward improving the livability of the Erie County region. While taking part in these ventures, I have found a new way to apply the journalistic skills that I have learned as a student of Edinboro University.

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More specifically, I had the opportunity to work side by side with, Anna Frantz, who is the project manager for the Destination Erie initiative and Emerge2040. While collaborating with Frantz, I took on the responsibility of laying-out and helping her design presentation boards which were displayed at the roll-out event held on March 26.

Although the boards are not the front page of a newspaper, the concepts are fundamentally the same.

The projects being implemented by the organization are not the only thing worth noting. The professionals that have taken on the responsibility of these tasks are extremely accommodating and personable. This combination of friendly professionalism creates a work environment that is seldom seen, cultivating an ecosystem of creativity and productivity with Erie in mind. This strong focus on the local community transcends to the residents of the area as well. The people who

live, work and play in Erie are proud to call this place their hometown, a mentality that is rarely seen.

The experience that I have gained during my brief time with the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership is priceless. I have not only been able to refine my skills as an aspiring journalist, but I have realized that my talents can be utilized in a non-newsroom setting. This profound realization has taken away some of the apprehensions that arise for a recent college graduate who is looking to start a career. The road that lies ahead of me may be uncertain to some extent but I believe, with the skills and experience that I have gathered from Edinboro and this internship will be very fruitful.

17

CR O I BL UI NT IETIATI D C OVE L UUM N E GNI TORNA PDATE

Growth Partnership Regional Initiative Update

Emerge2040 The Steering Committee for the Future of Our Region

by Ben Pratt, Executive Director, Growth Partnership and Anna Frantz, Project Manager, Destination Erie

March 26th, 2015 marked the end of the three year regional planning effort known as Destination Erie with the roll out of the published document, Destination Erie: A Regional Vision.

Forty-two short, mid, and long term project recommendations were identified as the formula for the Erie region to emerge as a more socially and economically competitive region by 2040. No small feat by any means, but the new 15 member Emerge2040 steering committee is eager to maintain the momentum of Destination Erie, and begin the implementation of the regional plan for sustainable development. Let’s meet the team.

The original five member steering committee from Destination Erie have all agreed to serve during the first transition year, and consists of: Kathy Dahlkemper, Erie County Executive, Joe Sinnott, Mayor of the City of Erie, Dr. Garvey, President of the Jefferson Educational Society, Joel Berdine, Former Chairman of the Consortium Leadership Team for Destination Erie APRIL-MAY 2015

and Barbara Chaffee, President & CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership.

To ensure Emerege2040 maintains its regional integrity: Jason Monn, Councilman of the City of Corry, William Taylor, Elk Creek Township Supervisor and Chair of the Erie County Association of Township Officials, and Terry Bowersox, Cranesville Borough Manager & Erie County Association of Boroughs have all agreed to serve on the Emerge2040 steering committee.

The final seven committee members of the Emerge2040 steering committee were identified as industry leaders that possess the qualifications and expertise that will help move the project recommendations forward, and they are: Aldo Jackson, Director of Erie County Technical School, pastor Charles Mock, Community Missionary Baptist Church in Erie, Bill Petit, District Executive PA Department of Transportation,

Steve Ropski, Professor of Biology at Gannon University, Amanda BrownSissem, Executive Director Erie Arts & Culture, Dr. Tony Snow, CEO of Community Health Net, Honorable Ernest J. DiSantis, Jr., Judge at Erie County Court of Common Pleas.

Three years ago, the lack of regional coordination and strong leadership within our community was identified one of the “Root Causes” of Erie County Issues & Challenges in the Existing Trends & Conditions Report developed by Destination Erie. The Destination Erie planning process has broken down barriers and has started brand new conversations. We have seen change in just three years, with all the more cause for hope of progress on the horizon. Emerge2040 has agreed to work towards maximizing and leveraging the region’s capacity to realize its vision for the future by cultivating leadership and implementing new models of collaboration. Erie County, your future is bright.

CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE

We congratulate our colleague

ROBERT G. DWYER

EB

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I G

CE

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2232 W. 23rd St. Erie, PA 814.453.6564

on receiving the 2015 Louis J. Tullio Community Service Award in recognition of his outstanding service to the Erie community.

Y

E A R S

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Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. Erie, PA | Jamestown, NY | North East, PA 814-459-2800 | www.kmgslaw.com

Excellent.

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APRIL-MAY 2015

CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE

Special Events

ERCGP Growth Partnership CEO Roundtable Rural Regional College Initiative

The CEO Roundtable held in January featured speakers Duane Vicini, Education Consortium of Upper Alleghany and Mary Bula, Erie County Representative Rural Regional College. The two presented information on the Rural Regional College Initiative. After the presentations and Q&A, the Growth Partnership members were surveyed anonymously through the ERCGP key pad polling devices on issues and topics involving the RRC.

Ross Blake HR Seminar Senior level trainer, consultant, and author Ross Blake presented Improve Employee Performance Next Quarter to a group of HR professionals, managers, and supervisors at a complimentary session hosted by the ERCGP.

of skill sets to reinforce how the attendees could give employees performance feedback in ways that don’t cause the employee to become defensive which in turn leads to them much more likely to cooperate.

The interactive 2 hour training session addressed common unproductive work behavior’s such as internet surfing, not following procedure, and spreading negative gossip which in the long run can cost an organization thousands of dollars. Mr. Blake went through a series

Mr. Blake, a graduate of Ohio University is the author of How to Give Employees Performance Feedback & resolve Resistance; his clients include Blair, Northwest Savings Bank, Corning Incorporated, and other small and midsized organization.

eriepa.com

21

Special Events Highmark Check Presentation Officials from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield recently presented a check to the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership in the amount of $30,000, which represents Highmark’s Diamond Level membership and support of the ERGCP for 2015.

Pictured from left to right: Barbara Chaffee, President and CEO, Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership Lisa Koshan, Director, Client Management, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Cynthia Kucenski, Associate Client Manager, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Neil Parham, Manager, Community Affairs, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

GRADUATE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE LEARN TO LEAD with

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April 23 · 5-7 p.m.

Audrey Hirt Academic Building, Room 212 Directions and RSVP: mercyhurst.edu/ol-open-house

APRIL-MAY 2015

CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE

April 23 Presbyterian Homes, Manchester Commons 6351 West Lake Road Erie, PA May 14 Flagship Niagara League Erie Maritime Museum 150 East Front Street Erie, PA June 18 ERIE Bank 2302 West 12th Street Erie, PA July 16 The Hammocks at Millcreek 4500 Hammocks Drive Erie, PA August 20 Panache Salon & Spa 2501 West 12th Street Erie, PA September 10 BLOOM Collaborative 138 East 26th Street Erie, PA October 22 Grapevine Laundry and Linens 2345 Warfel Avenue Erie, PA November 19 Millcreek Coffee 1222 Linden Avenue Erie, PA December 10 Ambassador Banquet & Conf. Center 7794 Peach Street Erie, PA

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APRIL-MAY 2015

CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE

Thursday, May 21st

2015 Golf Outing

Peek n’ Peak Resort & Spa Clymer, NY

Reserve your foursome today! Contact Cathy Noble at cnoble@eriepa.com.

Presented by our 2015 Signature Event Sponsors For sponsorship opportunities, contact Susan Ronto at sronto@eriepa.com.

SAVE THE DATE 4-16 Celebration of Excellence

Thursday, April 16th, 2015 Bayfront Convention Center, Erie, PA

5-21 Annual Golf Outing Thursday, May 21st, 2015

NEW DATE! Peek n’ Peak Resort, Clymer, NY

Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership 2015 Signature Events

Sponsorships available; contact Brett Wiler at bwiler@eriepa.com for details!

9-23 Fall Member Fest 11-5

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2015 Shades Beach, Northeast, PA

Annual Meeting

Thursday, November 5th, 2015 Bel-Aire Hotel & Conference Center Erie, PA

Presented by our 2015 Sponsors eriepa.com

25

Recent Ribbon Cuttings December 10, 2014

Hooch and Blotto’s 8071 Peach Street, Erie

The prohibition themed bar and grill offers a delicious menu and craft brews. Patrons are encouraged to watch the big game on the 120” projection screen or one of the many 70” and 80” flat screen televisions set up throughout the facility, which seats 160! For additional information, visit http://www.hoochandblottos.com.

March 4 and 5, 2015

Erie Federal Credit Union

101 Washington Towne Blvd., Edinboro 3910 Schaper Avenue, Erie Two former 1st Choice Community FCU offices opened their doors as Erie Federal Credit Union!

“We are very pleased with the merger and pride ourselves on providing true financial solutions to our members”, said Brian J. Waugaman, CEO of Erie Federal Credit Union. Post-merger, EFCU will expand to nine Erie area branch offices with total assets exceeding $400 million and membership

APRIL-MAY 2015

over 51,000. Since its inception in 1936, EFCU has been serving its members in and around the Erie, PA area with exceptional financial products.

As a full-service credit union, anyone that lives, works, worships or attends school in Erie or Crawford County, PA may be eligible to join.

EFCU is federally insured by NCUA and an Equal Housing Lender.

CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE

March 19th

O’Reilly Auto Parts 2737 West 26th Street, Erie

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. is one of the largest specialty retailers of automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, equipment and accessories in the United States, serving both the do-it-yourself and professional markets, and offers a low price guarantee. Founded in 1957 by the O’Reilly family, the Company operates over 4,200 stores in 42 States. O’Reilly is pleased to announce the opening of this new store in Erie.

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27

regional

ECOMMERCE DAY FORUM

ome meet s

LEARN. GET INSPIRED. FIND SOLUTIONS. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS. There is something for everyone selling products and services: • Local business • Ecommerce based • Omnichannel

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: KRIS JONES Entrepreneur, author, and international speaker

For more details and to register, visit bit.ly/EcomDay2015

MacDonald Illig A T T O R N E Y S

Our patients receive the highest level of service for their financial needs. We would highly recommend Erie Federal Credit Union’s services to everyone!

Erie FCU’s Merchant Lending Program allows you to offer on the spot financing at your business at no cost to you!

For more details contact Kristi Bailey, Director of Business Development & Services (814) 825-2436 Ext.1035

•

KBailey@eriefcu.org

Loans subject to credit approval. Membership eligibility required.

www.eriefcu.org EFCU Chamber Ad 0115 (Erichson).indd 1

APRIL-MAY 2015

1/13/15 2:48 PM

CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE

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?

Our 2016 calendar is filling up fast.

Contact event coordinator Cathy Noble at (814) 454-7191 x146 or cnoble@eriepa.com for more info.

April 23

5:00–7:00 p.m.

Presbyterian Homes Manchester Commons 6351 West Lake Road Erie, PA

May 14

5:00–7:00 p.m.

Flagship Niagara League Erie Maritime Museum 150 East Front Street Erie, PA

June 18

5:00–7:00 p.m.

ERIE Bank 2302 West 12th Street Erie, PA

More 2015 Business After Hours July 16 The Hammocks at Millcreek 4500 Hammocks Drive Erie, PA

September 10 BLOOM Collaborative 138 East 26th Street Erie, PA

November 19 Millcreek Coffee 1222 Linden Avenue Erie, PA

August 20 Panache Salon & Spa 2501 West 12th Street Erie, PA

October 22 Grapevine Laundry and Linens 2345 Warfel Avenue Erie, PA

December 10 Ambassador Banquet & Conf. Center 7794 Peach Street Erie, PA

eriepa.com

29

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

PAID

Permit # 298 Erie PA

208 East Bayfront Parkway Suite 100 Erie, PA 16507

Thursday, May 21st

2015 Golf Outing

Peek n’ Peak Resort & Spa Clymer, NY

Reserve your foursome today! Contact Cathy Noble at cnoble@eriepa.com.

Presented by our 2015 Signature Event Sponsors For sponsorship opportunities, contact Susan Ronto at sronto@eriepa.com.