ERIE Magazine | February 2011

E r i e R e g i o n a l C h a m b e r a n d G r o w t h P a r t n e r s h i p M a g a z i n e w w w . E r i e PA . c o m F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 1

w w w .

E r i e P A .

Changes at the Helm

Erie’s Outgoing and Incoming Leaders Reflect on the Past and Look to the Future

c o m

Save the Dates

ERCGP Signature Events

April 28 Celebration of Excellence

October 5 Fall Member Fest

Bayfront Convention Center

Shades Beach Park Pavilion

May 25 Annual Golf Outing

November 17 Annual Meeting

Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa

July 23 New! Beer on the Bay

Ambassador Conference Center Hemingway Ballroom

Burger King Amphitheater-Bayfront

2011 Signature Event Sponsors

As of January 1, 2011

Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership Magazine

www.EriePA.com

February 2011

[

[contents

Chairman’s Comments ....................... 2 Welcome New Investors .................... 3 Business After Hours ........................... 3 Retiring ERCGP Leader Leaves Career in Full Bloom ........................4-5

Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership Mission Statement Leadership to attract, retain and expand business.

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

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

President/CEO Jim Dible

Vice President, Chamber Claudia Thornburg

Vice President, Economic Development Jacob A. Rouch

Vice President, Growth Partnership Mary Bula

Editor

Joelyn J. Bush

Contributing Writers John Chacona Jennifer Duda Amanda Prischak

Above: The ERCGP recently applied and was successfully awarded a ReTool Erie grant to enhance and redesign its business retention and expansion program. This proactive outreach program is designed to collect and identify the needs of the region’s businesses, connect them to appropriate resources available in the economic development system, and help them grow and expand in Erie.

On the Cover: The statue on this issue’s cover was dedicated in 1997 in front of the Blasco Memorial Library, a fitting memorial for a local hero and legendary leader. Colonel Strong Vincent is best known for his leadership of soldiers during the Battle of Little Round Top at Gettysburg in July 1863. He was born in Waterford, Pennsylvania on June 17, 1837 and died at the age of 25 after suffering a gun shot wound in combat. During the battle, as his troops lay quietly on the field at Gettysburg awaiting orders, he notably said, “Today will either bring me my stars or finish my career as a soldier.”

Strong Vincent’s actions are considered by military historians to have turned the important Battle of Gettysburg into a northern victory—he is considered a national and a local hero.

Gannon President Will Part with Legacy and Much Progress ..........8-9 Pride in the Past, Faith in the Future..............................12 Ready to Serve ....................................13 Pennsylvania Native Leads Behrend with Broad Experience ...............................15 Superintendent Relies on the Power of Learning..............................17 Way To Grow! .......................................21

Design

Tungsten Creative Group

For Advertising Information

Julie Graff, Sales Executive 814.454.7191; jgraff@eriepa.com

Staff

Joelyn J. Bush, Director of Marketing & Communications Sara Galbreath, Sales Executive Julie B. Graff, Sales Executive Melanie A. Johnson, Business Retention & Expansion Program Manager Doug M. Massey, Workforce Development Coordinator-Training Cathy Noble, Events Coordinator Michael Pistone, Director of Research Linda Robbins, Accountant Susan M. Ronto, Membership Coordinator 814.454.7191 • fax: 814.459.0241 • www.EriePA.com 208 East Bayfront Parkway, Suite 100 • Erie, PA 16507

Our Online Resources to You

www.eriepa.com

www.takeactionerie.com

Become a Fan on Facebook

www.tapintoerie.com

Follow Us on Twitter

www.takttriangle.com

Join Our ERCGP Member LinkedIn Group

1

[

[comments chairman’s

“When you are finished changing, you’re finished.”—Benjamin Franklin Today’s reality is that we all live in a world of constant change, at an ever-increasing pace. Our businesses, community institutions, and government entities must initiate and respond to significant changes at every level. Transitions in leadership are part of the inevitable changes, and there is much we can learn from those who have been at the helm and those who are now assuming the helm.

This edition of ERIE Magazine will focus on gaining insight from several outgoing and incoming leaders in our business community. We are proud to feature three departing leaders: Angela Bontempo, who has just retired from Saint Vincent Health System after serving as its President and CEO since 2001; Dr. Antoine Garibaldi, who is leaving Erie to become President of the University of Detroit Mercy on July 1, 2011, after serving as Gannon University’s President since 2001; and (last but not least) our very own Jim Dible, who is “really retiring” this year from his position as the President and CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership since 2008 (after retiring the first time in 2007 from his position as President and CEO of the Times Publishing Company).

We will also speak with three new leaders: Dr. Don Birx, who just took over as the new Chancellor of Penn State Behrend after Jack Burke’s retirement; Jay Badams, who just ushered in the 2010-2011 school year as the new Erie City School District Superintendent; and Scott Whalen, who just took the baton from Angela Bontempo as the new President and CEO of Saint Vincent Health System.

These six individuals may vary in their particular leadership styles and personalities, but they also have much in common. First, they know how to deal with change. They are not afraid of it. Rather, they recognize its desirability or at least its necessity and they harness change to further the missions of their organizations.

They ultimately develop, implement and embrace positive changes, using them as tools for improvement.

Second, they are passionate about taking their organizations to the next level. They are always moving the goalposts back. They are constantly “forward leaning,” as GE’s Vice Chairman John Rice described it at our recent Chamber and Growth Partnership session with him. They understand fully that if you are not moving forward, you are falling behind.

Third, they focus on service, both to their own stakeholders and to the community at large. They are active listeners, which enables them to better understand the needs of those they serve. And they serve us with a positive attitude. They blend realism (“the art of the possible” in Jim Dible’s words) with a spirit of optimism—a fundamental belief that our combined efforts can make a difference for the better.

So, to the new arrivals, the community welcomes you and looks forward to working with you. To those who are departing, we thank you for your extraordinary service to your organization and to our region. You will be missed.

P.S. This “Chairman’s Comments” page appears in this edition of your ERIE Magazine instead of the usual “President’s Perspective” page written by Jim Dible, because Jim is featured in one of our other articles in this issue. I apologize to the many readers who were looking forward to Jim’s always well-written and thoughtful comments on this page, but instead ended up with my thoughts above. I am fully cognizant that this experience may be like when you are expecting to read George F. Will, but then you actually get Alfred E. Neuman. In reality, however, it’s just another example of Jim’s many leadership skills—the ability to “manage upward” and delegate when appropriate!

2

Northwestern PA Chapter of the Appraisal Institute

For 78 years, the world’s leading organization of professional real estate appraisers.

Leading the way in fostering and promoting the highest standards of appraisal practice among real estate appraisers in the U.S. Mr. Gary Carmosino 5624 Peach Street Erie, PA 16565 (814) 836-0555

Equipment Exchange Company Specializes in the sale, purchase, auction and appraisal of used further prepared food processing equipment. EEC maintains a complete refurbish shop with the ability to test and repair many of the machines they sell.

Mr. Robert Breakstone 10042 Keystone Drive Lake City, PA 16423 (814) 774-0888

[

[welcome new investors Glowacki Management Company

A premier real estate management and leasing company that handles a wide range of real estate management needs from high rise apartment buildings to single residential rental units, retail strip plazas to office parks. GMC provides value added proactive services resulting in clean, functional, professional image, profit-generating real estate for their customers so they can focus on their business.

Ms. Bridget Shames 2950 West 12th Street Suite 50 Erie, PA 16505 (814) 452-3681

180 Physical Therapy, Inc. Independently owned and operated outpatient physical therapy provider specializing in rehabilitation for orthopedic and neurological conditions.

Mr. John DeAngelo 3740 Sterrettania Road Erie, PA 16506 (814) 838-9180

M-DOT Incorporated

A retail technology company, providing retailers with an enterprise platform to manage their digital coupons and incentives. The M-Dot Network connects retailers, digital coupon issuers and shoppers, eliminating paper coupons, speeding up check-out lanes.

Mr. William M. Catania 130 West 8th Street Erie, PA 16501 (814) 459-6232

Erisco Industries

A contract manufacturer of custom wire formed products with facilities in Erie, PA and Monterrey, Mexico. Both ISO9001:2008 certified. Diverse product mix ranging from steel wire manufacturing to wire forming, fabrications, and assembly.

Mr. John Zinna 1133 West 18th Street Erie, PA 16512-1068 (814) 459-2720

If you know a company or organization that wants to invest in Erie and in their business, please contact Sara Galbreath, sales executive, at (814) 454-7191 or sgalbreath@eriepa.com.

Travel Center Inc.

A full service travel management company offering leisure travel, group travel, business travel, incentive travel, chamber travel and meeting planning services.

Ms. Pat K. Cinfici 4500 Perkiomen Avenue P.O. Box 4309 Reading, PA 19606 (800) 782-5605

Bayfront Maritime Center A not-for-profit community based educational organization whose mission is to develop and implement unique hands-on maritime themed educational, vocational and recreational opportunities for the community.

Mr. Richard Eisenberg 40 Holland Street Erie, PA 16507 (814) 456-4077

The Sherr Company

A renovated Meiser Building houses an event space, 21 la rue dix, on the first floor. The second, third and fourth floors are office floors, available for rent or condos.

Ms. Janet Sherr 21 West 10th Street Erie, PA 16501 (814) 397-2910

March 24, 2011 Erie Art Museum 411 State Street Erie, PA April 14, 2011 Lake Erie Spine & Injury Center 1005 Peninsula Drive Suite A Erie, PA Reservations required name tags will be provided.

May 19, 2011 Lake Shore Country Club 5950 Lake Shore Drive Erie, PA

All Business After Hours take place from 5 – 7 p.m.

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

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

3

Retiring ERCGP Leader Leaves Career in Full Bloom

By Jennifer Duda

“Bloom where you are planted.”

Jim Dible’s philosophy on leadership has guided him throughout his life, and it’s one that he has certainly lived since he and his wife Judy planted their roots in Erie more than 15 years ago.

From breaking new ground at one of Erie’s largest and longstanding family companies to leading the economic development efforts to take Erie into the future, Dible has successfully displayed that a good leader uses their own personal and professional growth to leave a lasting impact on those that they serve.

Dible will retire as President and CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership (ERCGP) after the search for his successor— now underway—is completed. But that’s not to say this is his first attempt at a foray into retirement. In 2007 he announced he would retire as President and CEO of Times Publishing Company at the end of the year. He was turning 65, and was ready to spend more time with his family—especially his ten grandchildren. But some folks in Erie didn’t think it was time for Dible to stop blooming just yet; a couple of weeks after announcing his retirement, he was approached about the possibility of joining the team at the ERCGP.

“A good leader knows that the best thing he or she can do is to surround themselves with good people and then get out of their way.”

After consulting with some community leaders he respects, and most importantly with Judy, to whom he’s been happily married for 47 years, he came on board with the ERCGP at the beginning of 2008, tasked with helping to achieve financial stability, and to mentor the team at ERCGP to grow its ability to lead efforts to retain, grow and attract business to the Erie region.

“I dramatically increased the average age of the ERCGP team upon arrival,” he jokes, “But the time has flown by, now I’m 68, and it’s time for someone to continue partnering with our team and our investors to keep up the positive momentum.”

4

“I’ve always believed that providing an environment where people feel they can experiment and grow is the best thing I could do for any organization.”

A native of Tiffin, Ohio, and 1964 graduate of Kent State, Dible came to Erie in 1996 when he was named general manager of the Times Publishing Company.

Dible was instrumental in the successful merger of the Erie Morning News and the Erie Daily Times into the Erie Times-News in 2000. And in 2003, he became the first non-family member to become CEO of the Mead family’s Times Publishing Company in its 115-year history.

Throughout his tenure at both Times Publishing and the ERCGP, Dible gained a unique perspective of where he believes Erie’s present and future leaders should focus their efforts.

“I firmly believe Erie is on the brink of great things.

We’ve come through a painful transition to a more balanced economy of manufacturing, education, health care and hospitality,” he says. “We have recognized through initiatives like Erie Together the reality that poverty must be addressed for us to be truly successful.

Things like the Inland Port Project and the combined and collaborative efforts of the more than a dozen economic and community development organizations who work collaboratively every day to retain and grow jobs will make it happen in the coming years.”

Through his life experiences Dible has also gained a great deal of perspective on leadership. He credits the influence of two books for dramatically shaping his leadership style over the years.

“They are a generation apart, but are the two books I wore out yellow highlighters marking up things that resonated with and excited me. First was ‘In Search of Excellence’ by Tom Peters back in 1982.” One of his favorite statements from this read: “Leadership is many things. It is patient, usually boring coalition building. It is the purposeful seeding of cabals that one hopes will result in the appropriate ferment in the bowels of the organization.”

He continues, “Second was ‘Good to Great’ by Jim Collins in 2001. Note that 19 years later I was still learning how to be a leader. Collins described ‘Level 5 Leaders’ as the ones able to help organizations go from being good to being great.”

Additionally, Dible offers these words of advice to the next generation of Erie leaders: “Understand the difference between management and leadership. Management is tactical. It means you know how to make the train run on time. Leadership is strategic and visionary. It means you have the ability to paint the picture of what the future could be, and that you are willing to empower others (inherently meaning you give up power) to make it happen. I’ve had lots of titles in my professional career.

But I’ve always been the same person with the same values.

I’ve always believed that providing an environment where people feel they can experiment and grow is the best thing I could do for any organization.”

And it’s those people he’s led and worked with, Dible says, that have helped him to bloom into the leader he is today.

“When I’m asked what makes a good leader or what I’m most proud of, my answer always centers around people,” he says. “I’m most proud of the people I have worked with at Times Publishing and the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, who have always made me look better than I had any right to be viewed.

A good leader knows that the best thing he or she can do is to surround themselves with good people and then get out of their way.”

5

The cry of a healthy newborn.

The restoration of a physical capability.

The comfort of freedom from pain.

The healing of a fragile heart.

For more than 135 years, Saint Vincent has been here to help ensure that your employees, your families and your loved ones are able to celebrate triumphs such as these. And in a changing health care environment, you can trust that we will continue to be here for you.

Here for life.

232 We s t 25 S t re e t E r i e, PA 1 6 5 4 4 8 1 4 - 4 5 2- 5 0 0 0 S a i n t V i n c e n t H e a l t h .c o m

Waiting Superman for³

Wednesday, March 23, 2011 - 7:15 pm Film will be immediately followed by panel discussion Visit UnitedWayErie.org/waiting for event details.

6

´

Well Done Quality, Creativity and Customer Service are the foundations of our company. Let us exceed your expectations.

4500 West Ridge Road

•

Erie PA 16506

•

(814) 835-8050

•

weissearley.com

&RQWDFW 3&, IRU PRUH LQIR 45 &RGH

Caring across the Centuries Saint Mary’s Home of Erie thanks Angela Bontempo of Saint Vincent Health System for her leadership in advancing Catholic health care in our area and welcomes Scott Whelan to his new position in advancing Catholic healthcare.

And thanks Dr. Antoine Garibaldi for his leadership in Catholic higher education at Gannon University.

Saint Mary’s East 607 East 26th Street Erie, PA 16504 814-459-0621

Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge 4855 West Ridge Road Erie, PA 16506 814-836-5300

www.stmaryshome.org 7

Gannon President Will Part with Legacy and Much Progress

By John Chacona

As a native New Orleanean, Antoine Garibaldi knows a thing or two about change and renewal. And he also knows the value of longstanding traditions and a sense of continuity.

So, it’s no surprise that when asked about his most significant accomplishments as president of Gannon University, he cites the $40 million in funds raised from private and public sources but also the strengthening of the university’s Roman Catholic identity and mission.

to more than 4,200; the endowment more than doubled and the university earned seven consecutive rankings in the top tier of universities in the northern region of the United States by U.S. News & World Report magazine’s annual list of “America’s Best Colleges.” He also transformed downtown Erie as more than twodozen buildings were built, purchased or renovated by the university, including the $5 million Erie Technology Incubator.

community, trustees and alumni, everybody can see what our plan is all about and what our goals are. That also makes it very easy for a prospective funder or donor to see where the university is headed.”

Dr. Garibaldi credits this impressive progress to the implementation of a rigorous strategic planning process on five-year cycles. “Our first plan was developed in my first six months at the university. Now we’re in the third year of the second plan, and by evaluating the progress every year and sharing it with the university

together to talk about a plan, nobody cringes,” Dr. Garibaldi adds.

The discipline and success are catching. “I’m also pleased that the plan is serving as a guide for other entities. For the first time, the Alumni Association has a strategic plan. Now, when we talk about getting a group

This devotion to both quantifiable and symbolic progress is no contradiction. It is the essence of Dr. Garibaldi’s leadership style.

“I’m a big proponent of management by walking around, and getting out of your office,” Dr. Garibaldi explained. “A good leader is a strategic thinker. A good leader has to be prospective, concise, driven but focused, has interpersonal skills and can relate to anybody. I believe in treating everybody with respect and making sure that if something needs to be done, no matter how small, even the president can do it. We all have to remind ourselves that we all can be humble and that to move forward you have to be willing to do the little things.”

Since being named president in 2001, Garibaldi has also done the big things.

During his tenure, Gannon’s enrollment has swelled by 24 percent, 8

Dr. Garibaldi’s dedication to the planning process will be one of his first orders of business when he becomes the president of the University of Detroit Mercy on July 1, the first layman to lead the 5,200-student

school formed in 1990 by the consolidation of Jesuit-affiliated University of Detroit and Mercy College of Detroit.

The city of Detroit is undergoing great economic and social re-engineering. Dr. Garibaldi sees the challenges facing the auto-making capital as larger-scale analogues of those facing the Erie region. And he is optimistic about the region’s prospects. “Often times people will say, ‘You have to adjust,’� he recalls, noting that his arrival at Gannon came shortly after significant reductions in manufacturing employment in Erie. “Still despite those tough economic situations, we achieved the goals we set forth—though sometimes it takes a little longer that you expected.�

His arrival also came less than 90 days before the events of September 11, 2001, a date he remembers vividly. “Within a matter of 90 minutes, we were all in the old ballroom in Waldron Hall with a prayer service that was by far the most moving experience that I’ve ever had. It was a time to gather and show our strength in one another, and that showed me what the Gannon University community was all about.�

Business Banking Test Drive

FREE

*

FREE Business Checking**

• Business Checks*** • Check Cards with GO! Rewards

FREE Investment Sweep Account†FREE Cash Management Tools*** • Express Deposit (Remote Capture) • ACH Direct Deposit/Debit • Online Banking and Bill Pay

FREE eStatementsPLUS

Take Yours Today!

Northwest Direct: 1-877-672-5678 • www.northwestsavingsbank.com $OO VHUYLFHV OLVWHG DUH RIIHUHG IUHH RI FKDUJH IRU D PD[LPXP RI VL[ PRQWKV RU XQWLO 'HFHPEHU 8S WR FRPELQHG GHELWV FUHGLWV DQG GHSRVLWHG LWHPV HDFK PRQWK 6HH EDQN IRU GHWDLOV 0HPEHU )',& ‚1RW )',& ,QVXUHG 0D\ ORVH YDOXH 1R EDQN JXDUDQWHH

9

Believe in the possibility of earning your

gannonMBA. The MBA Program at

Gannon University offers you a values-based and fully accredited curriculum with a convenient and flexible schedule of on-campus and online courses.

the

gannonMBA

celebrating 40 years of success meeting the needs of students academic quality innovation excellence experience GANNON.EDU/MBA leadership

Helping our members to achieve their dreams of owning a home, buying a car, or running a business is what we do every day. We’re proud to be a part of the Erie community and happy to be making a positive difference in the lives of our members.

The Erie Federal Credit Union is ready to answer your questions and provide you with the resources you need for financial success. To learn more, visit us at www.eriefcu.org

Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government

NCUA

National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. Government Agency

Contact us today! 814-825-2436 1109 East 38th Street • 1005 Greengarden Road 2436 Buffalo Road • 518 State Street • 5500 Zuck Road 1220 West 32nd Street • 1825 Downs Drive (Located in new Walmart Supercenter - Peach & I-90)

11

Pride in the Past, Faith in the Future Angela Bontempo reflects on Saint Vincent’s yesterdays and tomorrows

By Amanda Prischak

When Angela Bontempo, MHA/MBA, FACHE, who recently stepped down as CEO and president of Saint Vincent Health System, began that role in 2005, she knew she was taking on more than a job—she was shouldering a legacy.

Hospital Association-McKesson Quest for Quality Award® in 2008, the 2009 Premier Award for Quality (AFQ), and recognition as a Top Performer by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

“It was exciting and daunting,” says Bontempo in reference to being the first person who was not a member of the Sisters of Saint Joseph to run Saint Vincent. “There were so many great, strong women who came before me.”

Bontempo, a self-proclaimed people person who says her colleagues are what she’ll miss most about the job, is also proud of her effort to reach out, inspire, and recognize each of Saint Vincent’s 3,000 employees through quarterly forums. “We’d hold five or six one-hour sessions over two days to capture all the shifts,” she explains.

“It was a time to update the associates about accomplishments and be available to answer any questions or concerns.” She also made sure that those in-person sessions were available via web-streaming, so that employees in the offices outside the hospital and throughout the county could participate.

With this thought in mind, preserving Saint Vincent’s identity via a process of mission integration became one of her early initiatives: “Everyone—from the surgeons to the cooks—are educated about the mission of Saint Vincent.”

So serious was Bontempo about maintaining that mission that she appointed Sister Ricarda Vincent, SSJ as vice president of mission integration, a newly created position Bontempo refers to as one of her proudest accomplishments.

When asked about other accomplishments, Bontempo mentions the hospital’s renewed push for top-notch quality. “Most people think of quality in terms of: Is the room clean? Is the food good?” she says. “But that’s only one dimension.” As with mission integration, Bontempo put her money where her mouth is, this time creating another senior level position to over see the hospital’s quality initiatives.

What’s more, she also spearheaded Lean Six Sigma, a system that uses data and statistical analyses to increase performance. That effort led to Saint Vincent receiving a number of quality awards including the American 12

It’s these sort of measures, she says, that define a leader. “When times are hard, you have to really inspire people,” she says. And, of course, you must also be compassionate: “I was adamant that there would be no layoffs during this recession.”

Incredibly, there weren’t.

Even in light of all the positive changes she instituted, Bontempo is quick to admit that healthcare is always a challenge. “The question always is, how do we deliver quality, faith-based healthcare in a time of increased regulation and legislation?”

She’ll continue to grapple with those questions when she begins teaching a seminar at University of Buffalo School of Management in March. “Though I have dreams of painting and doing sculpture, I need to ease out of the adrenaline rush!” she jokes. She also plans to continue the clinical research she’s done throughout her career.

Though it remains a tense time for the American healthcare system, Bontempo remains solidly optimistic about the future of Saint Vincent. For one, she believes in her successor and his vision.

And then there’s her faith in the Sister of St. Joseph, who founded the hospital in 1875.

“The mission of Saint Vincent is so right,” she says. “As long as everyone keeps their eyes on the needs of the people and not remain overly concerned about the bottom line, everything will work out.”

Ready to Serve For Scott Whalen, leading Saint Vincent means being a servant-leader

By Amanda Prischak

He also maintains that leaders should be good listeners, inspirational, and committed to setting a vision. But most of all, they need to understand that their job is to bring out the best in other people, which is “Being exposed to many Whalen, who assumed the reins from why he subscribes to the different leadership styles allows Angela Bontempo at the start of 2011, servant leadership model served in many different capacities at me to judge the effectiveness of that challenges a leader to institutions that include everywhere many different approaches.” ask how he can best serve from a university in Florida to a his team. “This moves the —Scott Whalen health foundation in Ohio. Whalen focus away from me and says that each of these positions onto the leadership team,” he good. “How can I not?” he poses as prepared him for his work at Saint says. “And, to foster accountability a rhetorical question. “It’s so much Vincent: “Being exposed to many and a proactive approach, it also bigger than me.” different leadership styles allows me allows leaders to inspire people to to judge the effectiveness of many Whalen says his main goal is to learn effectively get the job done.” different approaches,” he says. “I’ve all he can about the culture of Saint Whalen, who came to Erie and had to do everything from making Vincent; only then, he says, will he feel Saint Vincent in August , where quick changes to assessing financial comfortable mapping out the key work he initially served as the chief performance to participating in of his tenure. Not that he doesn’t have a operating officer, was glad to clinical training.” Whalen mentions grasp on the basic aims, “I look forward come to a place with such a that the final to working with the medical staff and strong commitment to Catholic skill in the trio is the associates to enhance the quality healthcare. “The nice part of Saint especially helpful of care, to make sure the infrastructure Vincent is that it’s backed by a in his new role. ensures a bright and vibrant future strong and dedicated mission,” “Having clinical for Saint Vincent, and to prepare for he says. “Plus, with the Sisters experience makes healthcare reform.” of St. Joseph overseeing it, you it easier to identify Outside of work, Whalen enjoys know the mission is being lived with and actively spending time with his family that out every day!” He says he plans participate in includes five adult children and seven to do everything he can to further conversations with grandchildren and settling into his new a brand of healthcare that’s based practitioners,” community. The last part, he says, is on social justice and the common he explains. easy given that a neighbor presented him with a big pan of lasagna during his first day here. “Erie is so friendly!” he enthuses. “I’ve never been so warmly greeted by a community.”

“When times are hard, you have Scott Whalen, PhD, FACHE, Saint Vincent Health System’s new CEO and president, says his biggest strengths for this big job are his diverse work experience and a special, peoplecentered model of leadership.

to really inspire people, and, of course, you must also be compassionate.” —Angela Bontempo

13

14

Pennsylvania Native Leads Behrend with Broad Experience

By John Chacona

Versatility has not always been a quality prized in the specialist-obsessed upper reaches of the academy. And to be sure, Donald L. Birx, the new chancellor of Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, is a specialist.

Dr. Birx holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering physics from University of California Berkeley; a master’s degree in biophysics and an MBA in finance, both from Miami University of Ohio; and a doctorate in electrical engineering from the University of Dayton.

But as his academic credentials imply, the man who was chosen to replace John D. “Jack” Burke, who retired in June 2010, is a specialist in many areas.

Dr. Birx arrives in Erie after spending the preceding four years at the University of Houston System, where he had been vice president of research. He also served as interim vice provost/president for research and professor of physics at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, while simultaneously serving as president and founder of PSI, a corporate entity at the institution for technology development and incubation. And that is just his academic career. Dr. Birx also spent 19 years in the private sector, at Systems Research Laboratories Inc. in Dayton, Ohio.

One of his goals is to make Penn State Behrend an environment for taking new ideas and applying them in practice to the challenges a region has.

He credits this broad experience for “an ability to work across diverse fields, the ability to synthesize ideas across communities,” skills he will apply at Penn State Behrend.

Sounding very much like an engineer, he says, “It’s an orientation on how the pieces and parts fit together, and a real appreciation for the ‘win-win’ strategies that benefit everyone, where challenges become opportunities, and where organizations can work together rather than going it alone.”

sometimes see things from so many different angles that you can get caught up in it, but you can also see how you can engage the entrepreneurial spirit that looks at the broad perspective. I love the cross-disciplinary emphasis between science and business, and folding in the liberal arts, we want to create a learning center that’s welcoming and helps people to get skills that complement what they have already.”

One could call this the engine that has powered the economy of the vibrant American southwest, and Dr. Birx, a native Pennsylvanian, believes it can work here, too.

Dr. Birx cross-disciplinary experience at New Mexico State gives him an acute understanding of the potential of Knowledge Park. “Penn State Behrend wants to focus on experiential learning, on creating an open laboratory environment and putting together groups that cut across disciplines and boundaries,” he says. “We want to use Knowledge Park so that students can work on projects while they’re here to work on 21st Century challenges.

Knowledge Park is a place where you can translate ideas to practical realities quickly.”

“There’s no reason why Erie shouldn’t be a leading, growing, vibrant community,” he says. “It is that, but not to the extent it could be given the heritage, resources, history here.”

One of his goals is to make Penn State Behrend an environment for taking new ideas and applying them in practice to the challenges a region has. He says, “You can

15

:25.3/$&( :(//1(66 ,7¶6 :(// :257+ ,7 < &RUSRUDWH :HOOQHVV < FRUSRUDWH PHPEHUVKLS DQG ZHOOQHVV SURJUDPV DUH D JUHDW YDOXH WR \RX DQG \RXU EXVLQHVV $V < PHPEHUV HPSOR\HHV KDYH XQOLPLWHG DFFHVV WR DOO IRXU < EUDQFKHV SOXV WKH 7UL &RPPXQLW\ 3RROV :DWHUSDUN DQG &DPS 6KHUZLQ 1RW WR PHQWLRQ SHUVRQDO ZHOOQHVV FRDFKHV KXQGUHGV RI ¾WQHVV FODVVHV PRGHUQ ZRUNRXW IDFLOLWLHV DQG D VXSSRUWLYH DWPRVSKHUH WKDW LV XQLTXH WR WKH < 7R OHDUQ PRUH FDOO DQG DVN IRU 9LFNL 6WLOVRQ RU YLVLW ZZZ \PFDHULH RUJ

Strength in Numbers 114 Years of Service 42 Attorneys 1 Priority: You Business Law Litigation Bankruptcy & Creditorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Rights Labor & Employment

&2817< <0&$ '2:172:1 <0&$ ($676,'( <0&$ */(1:22' 3$5. <0&$

Workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Compensation Environmental Insurance Intellectual Property Health Care Project Finance Law Public Finance Law Family Law Trusts & Estates Tax Real Estate Construction MacDonald Illig Jones & Britton LLP. Providing sophisticated legal counsel to businesses and individuals.

100 State Street | Erie, PA macdonaldillig.com | (814) 870-7600

16

Superintendent Relies on the Power of Learning in New Leadership Role

By Jennifer Duda

Leaders are often expected to know everything and to have all the answers right away. But Jay Badams’ philosophy on leadership is a little different.

“A true leader is first and foremost a learner,” Badams says. “I feel that in order to be effective, I need to learn more now than I ever did before.

Acknowledging that you don’t have all of the answers is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of wisdom. Great leaders model both a strong work ethic and a strong learning ethic.”

The value Badams places on learning seems appropriate given his new leadership role: He took over as superintendent of the Erie School District last July, replacing Dr. Jim Barker, who retired after 17 years in the post.

“The scope of the job is rather large; I serve about 13,000 students and their families, and about 1,600 employees, and do so with the full awareness that our district operates thanks to the local, state and federal tax revenue of our citizens,” Badams says. “Oddly enough, I love the challenge. I am energized by the great work that I see happening in our schools. I see teachers going above and beyond every day, and children thriving.

But I also see some children facing great obstacles who need us to do more.”

Badams was no stranger to the Erie School District when he accepted the superintendent position. He’s held many different positions with the district since he and his wife Tiffany moved their family to Erie in 1996. He worked as a teacher, assistant principal, curriculum coordinator and director of high schools before taking a brief hiatus from the district in 2007 when he accepted a position as superintendent of

schools in the Wattsburg Area School District. But Badams returned to the Erie School District a little over a year later to move into the role of assistant superintendent. As an Erie resident, taxpayer, and parent of four children who have either graduated from or currently attend Erie’s public schools, Badams says he knew that this was the place he belonged, and where he could have the most positive impact.

“Having worked for the district for over a decade, I knew that many of the district’s long-serving senior administrators were retiring and someone would need to see the district through a tough transition period during a very challenging economic situation,” he says.

And now as superintendent, getting the district through these tough economic times is the scope of Badams’ short- and long-term goals.

“In the near term, I plan to reorganize the district and to bring increased efficiency to our operations,” he says.

“The Erie School District has a lot to be proud of; we really have done an outstanding job as an urban school district and I’m keenly aware of the need to preserve that great record of achievement in the face of this fiscal stress. But until we balance our checkbook and create a sustainable, multi-year budget, we will be facing an uphill struggle.”

In the longer term, Badams plans to put into place a meaningful strategic planning process to renovate and

revitalize the district’s schools, not only for the students in the system, but for the economic health of the entire Erie community.

“Our students deserve quality facilities.

And our teachers and administrators, who are under ever-increasing levels of accountability for student performance, should have resources that are on par with those enjoyed by their peers in other districts,” he says. “I firmly believe that the success—or failure—of our urban school district has far-reaching implications for the economic viability of our city. People decide where to live based on the perceived quality of the school system. If we allow our schools and our education system to deteriorate, more people will abandon the city than will move in. We can’t let that happen.”

In keeping with his leadership philosophy, Badams hopes to accomplish this by continuing to learn and grow in his role as superintendent, and by earning the trust of the people of the school district.

“In addition to a willingness to learn, I believe that a good leader must have integrity. You have to clearly articulate who you are as a leader, who you are as an organization, and where you are going,” he says. “It sounds trite, but you really do have to build a shared vision that includes all of the many people and groups who have a stake in your business. And in the case of a school district includes just about everyone.”

17

Foreign Business Mission and Group Tour of Italy: Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast with a Night in Rome.

October 7-14, 2011 8 Days ~ 6 Nights ~ 11 Meals

Join us for this upcoming presentation to learn more.

When Where RSVP

February 25th, 1-3pm & 5:30-7:30 pm Erie Chamber, 208 East Bayfront Parkway, Suite 100, Erie, PA cnoble@eriepa.com All travel arrangements by Boscovâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Travel: (800) 755-8020

18

#DL =6K: NDJ >CCDK6I:9

Thank you to Jim Dible for your commitment, dedication and service to all things â&#x20AC;&#x153;Erieâ&#x20AC;?!

From the Smith Provision Company

Have you implemented leading-edge technology that sets you apart from others in your industry?

Have you helped others to be successful through technology you have developed?

If you answered yes, we would like to spotlight your innovation at our annual

Celebration of Excellence

dinner being held April 28 at the Bayfront Convention Center.

Contact Claudia Thornburg at (814) 454-7191 x141 for more information!

19

Please accept our thanks for your years of service to our community.

Jim Dible, Angela Bontempo and Dr. Antoine Garibaldi.

A warm welcome to Dr. Donald Birx, Jay Badams and Scott Whalen.

Wishing you all the best of luck.

Congratulations and Thank You, Jim! Your years of support helped put Erieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tourism industry on the road to success.

20

Way To Grow!

The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership recently helped cut ribbons with a number of new or expanding Investors. We are excited for your success and appreciate the opportunity to help you mark these momentous occasions!

Above:

21 la rue dix

The Sherr Company 21 West 10th Street Erie, PA 814-397-2910

Your ERCGP has gone mobile!

Left:

Peacock Furniture Galleria 843 Pittsburgh Avenue Erie, PA 814-833-0517

21

Congratulations, James Dible!

Thank you and good luck in your future endeavors.

Scan our QR code and visit the mobile version of eriepa.com Northwest Direct: 1-877-672-5678 â&#x20AC;˘ www.northwestsavingsbank.com MEMBER FDIC

$UWV(ULH JUDWHIXOO\ DFNQRZOHGJHV DQG WKDQNV The above image is a QR code, short for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Quick Responseâ&#x20AC;? code for mobile version of eriepa.com. When you see a QR code, use your phoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s QR reader application to scan it. Mobile phone users with an installed QR reader application can scan a QR code and instantly be driven to a companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s web page for additional information.

-LP 'LEOH IRU VHUYLQJ WKH FRPPXQLW\ DV 3UHVLGHQW &(2 RI WKH (ULH 5HJLRQDO &KDPEHU DQG *URZWK 3DUWQHUVKLS DQG DV FRPPXQLW\ FKDLUSHUVRQ IRU WKH $UWV(ULH 8QLWHG )XQG FDPSDLJQV XXX BSUTFSJF PSH t

21

Help Your Business Prosper by Putting on Your...

Six Thinking Hats® FACILITATION SERVICES INTRODUCTORY RATE Growth Partnership Members: $75 per hour ERCGP Investors and Others: $125 per hour SIX THINKING HATS ® TRAINING INTRODUCTORY RATE $499 per person for a full day course

ABOUT SIX THINKING HATS® : • A dynamic problem solving and innovation toolkit • Used

worldwide by major corporations, governments, economic developers and educators to generate ideas, address challenges, develop new products and make better decisions

• Helps

individuals and groups think about issues in a more disciplined and efficient way

COURSE OBJECTIVES: • Gain in-depth knowledge of and practice using the Six Thinking Hats® Framework • Learn

to maximize the power of each Hat

familiar with Lateral Thinking® tools for creativity

• Become

Please contact the Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership Office at 814.454.7191 x130 today!

Performance-driven Leadership for Executives An Exciting New Program for Tomorrow’s Business Leaders ➤ Addresses the skills development for effective LEADERSHIP...not MANAGEMENT ➤ Combines the elements of TRAINING and COACHING to insure understanding of concepts and information ➤ Program content is truly customized to the SPECIFIC NEEDS of the participants

This program is offered by J.L. Nick & Associates, Inc. in collaboration with the Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership. For more information and to enroll in the program please call Tom Benson at (814) 454-4322, visit www.jlnick.com or www.eriepa.com.

22

23

24

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Miss You, Jim! -< 0 < , 01 ) /0: : 25Nagle Photo by: Katie

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT #298 ERIE, PA 208 East Bayfront Parkway Suite 100 Erie, PA 16507

W H E R E S I G H T, S O U N D A N D TA S T E MEET MIND, BODY AND SOUL.

OPENING M A RCH 4TH. WAT C H F O R D E TA I L S!

1-90 E xit 27, Erie PA presqueisledowns.com 1.866.ERIE.FUN If You or Someone You Know Has a Gambling Problem, Help is Available. Call 1-800-GAMBLER