YOUR MEMBERSHIP EDGE
ERCGP Referral Network
ON THE LEADING EDGE
Updates from inside the Chamber
U NC O M M O N K N OW L E D G E
Interesting facts about Erie and beyond
Reaching
HIGHER GROUND
How the ERCGP Business Retention & Expansion Outreach team has given over 300 businesses in Erie County resources to thrive.
IN
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E O A RIL T P A
18 0 2
FEB/MAR 2018
is a publication of
ERCGP Mission & Leadership –
YEP Mission & Leadership –
Our 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.
Young Erie Professionals is dedicated to providing opportunities for emerging leaders and career-minded peers to develop professionally, while actively participating in their community to connect, attract and retain young talent in the local workforce.
ERCGP Board of Directors and Officers Tom Tupitza, Esq. – Chair Charles “Boo” Hagerty. – Vice Chair Christina Marsh – Secretary Ken Nelson – Treasurer Kevin Arrington Dr. Christopher Clark Michael Colpoys Michael Edwards Dr. Ralph Ford David Gibbons Tim Hunter Bruce Kern Lisa Koshan Marsha Marsh James E. Martin Bob Mazza Jack Munch
Rick Novotny Brian Polito Brenda Sandberg Nick Scott, Jr. Jim Stevenson Dr. Keith Taylor, Ph.D. Michael Victor, J.D., L.L.D. Dr. Fred Walker Laith Wardi Jenny Weigold Geertson Scott Wyman Partner Appointees William Lillis, Jr. John Oliver
YEP Board of Directors Steering Committee: Bill Lillis, Chairman Kristi Bailey, President Stephanie Fetzner, Vice President
Committee Chairs Terry Carson, Chair Community/Civic Involvement Paul Sherer, Chair Professional/Leadership Development Casey Brewer, Chair Young Erie Ambassadors CaraLee Himes, Program Manager
ERCGP Staff
Editor
Design
Linda Robbins – CFO/Director of Operations Jacob Rouch – Vice President, Economic Development Division Nadeen Schmitz – Executive Director, Marketing & Communications Brett Wiler – Director of Research, Grants, and Business Outreach Nancy Irwin – Development Director Steve Walters – Sales Manager Susan Ronto – Membership Coordinator Cathy Noble – Event Coordinator
Nadeen Schmitz
Engel O’Neill Advertising
Advertising Information Nancy Irwin (814) 454-7191 x143 nirwin@eriepa.com
Steve Walters (814) 454-7191 x140 swalters@eriepa.com
Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership | 208 East Bayfront Parkway Suite 100 Erie, PA 16507 | www.eriepa.com
TABLE of CONTENTS 02 Cover Story
ERCGP is Reaching Out
08
On The Leading Edge Updates from the Erie Regional Chamber
10
Uncommon Knowledge Interesting Facts About Erie
12 Photo Gallerie
Photos from Connect 4 Coffee, Business After Hours and more.
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News From Erie
Events, Reorganization, Investors and Eriepa.com
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Your Membership Edge ERCGP Referral Network
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Member Directerie
ERCGP Member Directory
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ERCGP is
REACHING OUT Team meets with over 300 firms
The business retention and expansion outreach team at the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership (ERCGP) connected with more than 300 businesses during 2017. Business retention and expansion outreach is a core component of a regional economic development system that supports organic business development and growth. According to the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) “Business retention and expansion programs assist businesses in an effort to help them survive economic difficulties; assist them with expansions that add new jobs; and increase their competitiveness in the wider marketplace.” The ERCGP outreach team connects with company decision makers to better understand individual firm capabilities, market opportunities, workforce priorities, and provide relevant economic development assistance. Resources include public, non-profit, and private sector support to enable their business to flourish. In addition to firm-level consulting,
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outreach specialists use several tools to measure and assess the local economy on a macro-level – capturing workforce information and trends, and understanding the collective business capabilities in the region. “Our goal is to reach out to our existing businesses to make sure they continue to grow and thrive in Erie County, and that they have the resources necessary to do so,” ERCGP Vice President of Economic Development Jake Rouch said. “We want our existing businesses and entrepreneurs to know that we are grateful for the jobs they create and appreciate having them in Erie, and we want them to know that the ERCGP is the place to go to access the wealth of resources available in the regional economic development system.” That system is part of the Erie County Economic Development Lead Team – a voluntary gathering of seventeen (17) public, private and non-profit organizations - on a bi-monthly basis - to coordinate service delivery, discuss challenges and opportunities, meet with existing and prospective
“Ninety-nine out of 100 times, we’re able to identify and assist a company with some issue that will enable their company to overcome some challenge or exploit a new opportunity.” – Brett Wiler | Director of Research, Grants, and Busines Outreach ERCGP
businesses, and continually discuss how to best leverage system tools to aid the maximum number of businesses for collective success. In 2017, the ERCGP outreach team visited over 300 companies. Common themes of discussion centered on workforce development, land and building acquisition and sales, strategy, marketing and business development, capital, and innovation. “Ninety-nine out of 100 times, we’re able to identify and
assist a company with some issue that will enable their company to overcome some challenge or exploit a new opportunity,” said Brett Wiler, Director of Research, Grants, and Business Outreach at the ERCGP. “Our team has the knowledge and the relationships with most – if not all – the business service providers in the region. We understand that business owners don’t have the time to understand all of the economic development programs
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The Lead Economic Development Team include representatives from: • Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership • Erie County and Corry Redevelopment Authorities • City of Erie • Erie County • PA DCED Governor’s Action Team • DCED North West Regional Office • Gannon University Small Business Development Center • Center for eBusiness and Advanced Information Technology • Northwest Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center • Northwest Commission • Erie City Redevelopment Authority • Ben Franklin Technology Partners • Erie Technology Incubator at Gannon University • Erie-Western PA Port Authority • Innovation Collaborative • PA Career Link Erie County • Partners for Performance • Radius CoWork • Bridgeway Capital • VisitErie • Senator Dan Laughlin • Steel Valley Authority • Strategic Early Warning Network
If you are an existing business in Erie County seeking economic assistance or a prospect considering investing in the region, contact Jacob Rouch, Vice President for Economic Development, to learn how to the Lead Economic Development Team can assist you.
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and services available to them – and that’s where we come in. We consider ourselves concierges. We’re here to ensure that business owners are taking full advantage of the services available to them to ensure longterm profitability in Erie County.” Outreach in 2017 was focused on three industry sectors or “clusters” – Plastics Manufacturing and Supply Chain, Defense Contractors, and Technology and Professional Service firms. With the construction of the $6 billion ethane Shell Cracker Plant in Beaver County, the continued growth of the Penn State Erie The Behrend College’s Plastic Engineering Technology program, and a cluster of over 50 plastic manufacturing firms, the ERCGP outreach team recognized the importance of the Plastics Manufacturing cluster to the region. Through focused outreach in Quarters 1 and 2, the Business Action Team compiled primary data about the long-term employment needs of the cluster. In Quarter 3 of 2017, the ERCGP received a competitive grant award from the Department of Defense and Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to expand the team to conduct proactive outreach to Defense Contractors in Erie, Warren, and Crawford Counties. The goal of the outreach is to identify firms in the region who are working in Defense Supply. In coordination with other regional economic development entities, such as the Steel Valley Authority and the Northwest Industrial Resource Center, partners conducted site visits to better understand the scope of defense-related work in Northwest Pennsylvania. Defense-related outreach
will continue in 2018 with a priority on assisting firms to exploit new defense and government-related contracting opportunities and win market share in adjacent commercial markets. Lastly, during the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2017, outreach focused on the technology and advanced services sectors. Technology and advanced services industries represent the economic future of our region. The ERCGP outreach team met with companies with core capabilities in web development, advertising technology, the Internet of Things, custom software development, video game development and more. Bill Scholz, contract outreach specialist with the ERCGP, is optimistic about the technology and advanced services sectors in Erie County, “Erie’s technology sector is winning market share throughout the United States. In only three months, I’ve met with more than 60 technology firms. Many firms are successfully expanding outside of the region. If you’re in need of technology services, now is the time to invest in the growing capacity of local firms.” To schedule a visit with one of our outreach specialists today, please visit eriepa.com/growyourbusiness or call Brett Wiler at (814) 454-7191 x137.
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CONTACT US
ON THE LEADING EDGE
from the CHAMBER OF COMMERCE by Nancy Irwin We want to help you get the most out of your Chamber investment in 2018. Visit eriepa.com and use this checklist to get started.
Use the *Erie Perk Pass – provide a perk and share the info with your employees.
Post employment opportunities in our *Job Bank.
Add your events to our *Calendar of Events, or schedule a ribbon cutting by contacting event coordinator Cathy Noble.
Attend signature events throughout the year: Annual Golf Tournament, Beer on the Bay, Erie Homecoming, Fall Member Fest and Celebration of Excellence.
Make sure you’re getting our email notifications; following us online at Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Attend a Business After Hours and Connect 4 Coffee networking event.
Schedule a visit with our Business Action Team.
Take advantage of sponsorship and advertising opportunities.
Cash in on our exclusive member discount programs like ChamberChoice, National Fuel Resources and OnDemand.
Enroll in the Erie Ambassador program.
*Accessible through the Member Login section of eriepa.com. This info is sent to the primary contact at your place of business.
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from the ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT by Jake Rouch DCED’s ENGAGE Program & DCED Department of Defense Funding Were you aware that last year the Economic Development Division staff met with nearly 400 businesses to find out what needs they had and get them connected to potential solutions? The ERCGP’s business outreach program has been doing this type of proactive outreach since 2002. Today, it is in the capable hands of Brett Wiler, Director of Research, Grants and Business Outreach, and it is performing at a very high level. In 2017, Brett did specialized outreach to the Plastics Sector and regional Department of Defense contractors. Bill Scholz – who came on board in August of 2017 – focused his outreach on Erie’s technology sector and small businesses. No other county in Pennsylvania matches Erie’s commitment to proactive outreach or the talented professionals who undertake that effort.
In addition to connecting businesses to potential solutions to address their needs, our outreach deepens our understanding of our community’s collective business capacity. Erie has an incredibly diverse economy that continues to evolve in its sophistication. Our outreach has affirmed that every business sector is struggling to find the right talent to grow and compete. Our outreach has led to numerous business connections that likely may not have happened – or happened as fast – without our team’s involvement. Every size and sector of business matters in the Erie economy. Our team loves meeting with you, hearing your story, learning what differentiates you from the pack, understanding what is keeping you up at night, and working to connect you to potential solutions that help you grow. All of this can happen with one simple action – reach out to us and set up a time for us to come and visit. Brett Wiler and Bill Scholz are ready to come help. Let’s get talking.
taxable payroll, if increased by at least $1,000,000 above a pre-determined base year amount. Those eligible to apply are qualified taxpayers who increase their annual taxable payroll by $1,000,000 through the creation of new full-time jobs. Manufacturing Tax Credit Program This program provides tax credits to taxpayers who increase their annual taxable payroll by $1,000,000 through the creation of new full-time jobs. Tax credit awards shall be equal to 5% of the taxpayer’s increase in annual
Qualified taxpayers must be subject to the Personal Income Tax (excluding employer withholding), Corporate Net Income Tax, Capital Stock/Foreign Franchise Tax, Bank Shares Tax, Title Insurance Companies Shares Tax, Insurance Premiums Tax, Gross Receipts Tax, and Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax. 9
UNCOMMON KNOWLEDGE
Snowshoeing can burn more calories than walking, running, or cross country skiing in the same place. Source: snowshoes.com
26 Construction of the lighthouse on the north shore of Presque Isle began in September 1872, and the light from atop the forty-foot tower attached to the keeper’s dwelling was first exhibited on July 12, 1873. The cost for the lighthouse was $15,000. Source: lighthousefriends.com
The number of islands on Lake Erie. They include Kelleys Island, Pelee Island, the Bass Islands, and several others. Islands tend to be located on the western side of the lake. Source: justfunfacts.com
190,000,000 According to the Greeting Card Association, 190 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine’s Day the second most popular greeting card–giving occasion, after Christmas. 10
Source: womansday.com
PHOTO GALLERIE
Connect 4 Coffee | January 9, 2018
Business After Hours: Erie Homes for Children and Adults | January 18, 2018
Business After Hours: Peek’n Peak | December 13, 2017
Canadian Export Event | December 7, 2017
NEWS from ERIE
E vents
R eorganization
Business After Hours
A monthly members-only networking event of the ERCGP. On average, 250 to 300 business professionals attend. February 15, 5-7 p.m. LOCATION CHANGE Humane Society of NWPA 2407 Zimmerly Road March 15, 5-7 p.m. Miller Brother Staffing Solutions 2000 West 8th Street April 19, 5-7 p.m. The Brew Brothers at Presque Isle Downs & Casino 8199 Perry Highway
Connect 4 Coffee
Our monthly morning networking event! February 13 Cobblestone Inn & Suites
May 8 Lorei Portraits
March 13 Honey Baked Ham
June 12 Donato’s Pizza
April 10 WQLN
Check out our Calendar of Events to register!
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The 2018 Young Erie Professionals looks a lot different than in past years. At their recent launch event, the leadership team of YEP announced the reorganizational moves towards better connecting and engaging young professionals in the Erie area with brand new events and programming. Two events will be held monthly that will exhibit the leadership team’s dedication to serving the YEP mission of providing opportunities for emerging leaders and career-minded peers to develop professionally, while actively participating in their community to connect, attract and retain young talent in the local workforce. Follow YEP on Facebook for up-to-date event information. Learn more about YEP on their webpage.
I
nvestors
Welcome to the following new investors! We look forward to working with you.
Investor Level Members Amatech, Inc. Dale Carnegie Training Erie County Bar Association Get Air Erie Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania Iszkula Orthodontics MenajErie Studio Peak Performance Management, Inc.
Do you know of a business that should be a member of the ERCGP? Refer them to Nancy Irwin, Development Director or Steve Walters, Sales Manager!
E riepa.com The new eriepa.com launched in August. When is the last time you looked around our website? Here are some of the new features you should check out, and some other features you should revisit! • Job Bank – List available positions in your organization; review resumes uploaded by job seekers • Perk Pass – Offer discounts to our members and their employees • Online Membership Application – for new members, joining the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership and the Young Erie Professionals is easier and quicker than ever! • Submit news for publication in our News Feed • Add an event to our Calendar of Events • Register for our member events; Business After Hours and Connect 4 Coffee • Browse through the Photo Galleries • Check out the Member Directory and all the fellow ERCGP members you should do business with We are continually updating the information on our website to bring you the tools you need. Have an idea for additional resources? Contact our office to share your thoughts!
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YOUR MEMBERSHIP EDGE
ERCGP Referral Network ANOTHER MEMBER BENEFIT
Refer: (one) to (someone or something); To send or direct someone to something or someone else as a source of information or support
How big is your business referral network? Members of the ERCGP are included in one of the largest networks in the region. Not only do they make connections that can and have and DO result in referrals by attending our networking events, but businesses on the online business directory at eriepa.com are numerous. And we mean numerous. The Business Directory at eriepa.com consists of businesses who invest in membership to the ERCGP. Therefore, not all business is represented. Listing in the directory is EXCLUSIVE to our members, at no charge. An executive summary of referrals from eriepa.com through the Business Directory for 12 months (Jan. 2017 through Jan. 2018) showed the following: •
he total number of referrals from the eriepa.com business directory this T period was 2,389,414.
•
Each member averaged 1,242.54 referrals from eriepa.com this period.
•
Each day this period there was an average of 6,528 referrals from the website business directory.
Want to know the referrals your business generated through our website as a member of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership in 2017? Simply login to the member’s only section at eriepa.com. Tell us what you find!
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CUTTING THE RIBBON
Did you know? As a member of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, our ribbon-cutting service is offered to new or expanding businesses commemorating a milestone! Contact our Event Coordinator, Cathy Noble, to get more information and set your date! We look forward to celebrating with you!
Iadeluca Chiropractic
Harborcreek - November 30, 2017
T-Mobile
Harborcreek - January 18, 2018
Courthouse Cafe by Lisa January 16, 2018
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