GLLV Chamber November 2018 Newsletter

WHAT’S INSIDE GLLV Chamber Young Professionals Group hosts Kick off to Giving Dinner Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony Pictures

Member of the Month: Nickos Chimney Company

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Board of Directors

3

Young Professionals Host Community Meal

4

Thirty’s Craft Pizza and Beers

7

Member of the Month: Nickos Chimney

9

Lapp Family Market

11

Market on Main holds Grand Opening

14

2018 Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony

15

Welcome New Members

16

Upcoming Events

18

CHAMBER STAFF Briana Tomack - President Hannah Kahn - Membership Coordinator Mike Dudurich - Media Writer Alexandra Kornides - Intern

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GLLV Board of Directors CHAIR

TREASURER

Jerry Supko

Maryann White

Commerical Bank and Trust of PA

Kelly, Sparber, White and Associates, LLC

SECRETARY

VICE CHAIR

Madalyn Kalning

Melissa Blystone

Latrobe Printing and Publishing

Andrea Cuda

Gutchess Hardwoods

Gary Siegel

Valley Dairy Restaurants

Marryann Singley

Eric Curry

Excela Health

Derry Area School District

Judy Swigart

Brian Edmiston

Greater Latrobe School District

TSI Titanium

Amy Peer

Lindsay Fennell

Latrobe Auto Group

Kennametal Inc.

Suzanne Ward

Eric Huttenlocher

Kattan Ferretti Financial

Jeff Minkovich

Todd Weimer

Community Options

Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center

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Young Professionals Group Presence Grows in Westmoreland County An organization of 20 and 30 somethings making their way into the business world provides a great support system for younger professionals. The Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Group serves that purpose by providing quarterly programming, sometimes offered in the form of valuable networking opportunities, leadership and professional development seminars, and, in this case, a chance to give back to the community.

“Each quarter , we schedule a fun, engaging network event,” said Hannah Kahn, GLLV chamber membership director. “So far, we’ve hosted networking nights at several local restaurants, a speed networking event (similar to speed dating), and our most popular recent get together was a shooting simulation and training at Safe & Secure Training & Range in Latrobe.”

From its inception in 2015, one of the biggest goals of YPG has been to serve chamber members under age 40 by creating opportunities for networking, education, career building and community service. The last of those opportunities is an important aspect and is embodied in the group’s biggest event of the year, the YPG Kickoff to Giving Dinner. This dinner will be held in the social hall at Holy Family Catholic Church in Latrobe on Saturday, November 17. The dinner is open and free to anyone in need of a hot meal or conversation with neighbors. The group will begin serving this hot meal at 12 pm. In the past, this event has been well received. Over 100 hot meals were provided to the Latrobe community last year.

“It takes many hands to help plan and prepare this dinner,” Kahn said. “Last year, we served over 100 meals. The extra food was donated to a local non profit organization in Latrobe. We are looking to expand our reach each year, and continue this pre-Thanksgiving tradition.”

As we gather our group of Young Professionals, who are joined by volunteers from the EWCTC culinary program and Saint Vincent College, we hope to instill the importance of community service that has been passed down from our community leaders, as this group are the leaders of tomorrow.

Among those participating in YPG from the business community is Lindsay Fennell, Regional Marketing and Communications specialist for Kennametal’s WIDIA brand .

“I am 27 years old and I took an immediate interest once I heard about the Chamber’s Young Professionals Group,” Fennell said. “I had lunch with Briana (Tomack, GLLV president) and learned more about the YPG, and attended my first event at Sharky’s. I instantly saw the value of the program. I met several other young professionals from all different industries. It was a really easy way to connect with others in a relaxed environment.”

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Fennell sees great possibilities for the group and is anxious to become even more involved. “I think this group certainly makes an impact in the professional lives of its members,” Fennell said. “It allows others in the community to meet those who have different skillsets and backgrounds. Already from the two events I’ve attended, I’ve made several professional connections as well as new friendships. For those who want to connect with other young professionals in the area and get involved, the YPG is the perfect outlet.”

“At this point, I am just a supportive board member,” she added. “I hope to become more involved and a part of the planning committee. We’ve discussed a few new ideas for the group, including bringing in various guest speakers to help educate younger members on various topics.”

All are welcome to join the Young Professionals this month on November 17th as they prepare and serve meals to local residents to kick off the season of giving!

For more information about volunteering or donating, please contact the GLLV Chamber of Commerce at info@gllv.org or 724-537-2671.

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A Thirty’s Tale Written by owner of Thirty’s Pizza, Mylee Gruss & Family

Over 26 years ago, Mike and I hosted a pizza party at our home for family and friends. This party was the very first night to feature our homemade pizza dough recipe. The thin, crispy crust had quickly become a favorite and was the perfect complement to any topping. This party started a trend at the Gruss homestead. Every Friday night thereafter was reserved for family, friends and homemade pizza! All we asked was for our guests to supply the wine or beer of their choosing and we would supply the pizza.

The original dough recipe was created and modified slightly over time until the perfect blend was achieved. During this time, we brought six children into our world: Lindsay, Michael, Abbey, Vanessa, Madison, and Evan. Additionally, we had been remodeling the entire house all while running a successful swim business. The swim business involved long hours of travel and work. The travel time started to wear on us. The children repeatedly said, “Mom, you and Dad should have a pizza shop.”

One day, we learned that a local pizza shop was for sale. We were excited about the news because purchasing this restaurant would provide us the opportunity to pursue our dream. This restaurant was equipped with a true, wood-fired oven and a liquor license. As a family, we decided to sell the swim shop and dive head first into the world of pizza. Now, we have the privilege of offering our traditional Friday nights to the public almost every night.

For over a year now, the entire family and staff have been renovating the inside of the kitchen, dining room, and bar in hopes of providing a delightful, inviting atmosphere for our guests. Inside you will find a considerable menu offering fantastic food (made from scratch with only the freshest ingredients), an array of delicious desserts, an extensive craft beer menu, and top of the line spirits for your favorite cocktails.

At Thirty’s, we hope to extend an invitation to the public to dine at our family-oriented establishment. It is our greatest hope to make people feel welcome, as if they were dining in their own home. We especially like to offer the home-style, ethnic meals that have been passed down from my 97-year-old Grandmother, Katie. Pierogies, Halpuki, Haluski, Pugach, Pork and Saurekraut, Soups, Shepard’s pie to name a few. A different special, home-style meal is offered every Thursday and tend to sell out quickly. Come join us for lunch or dinner Tuesday and Wednesday from 4 to 8:30, Thursday 11:30 to 8:30, Friday and Saturday 11:30 to 9:00 and Sunday 12 to 7, closed Sunday, Monday & all Holidays.

To all of our customers that have been with us since the beginning we would like to thank you for your continued support and excitement during our growth. We are looking forward to sharing this experience with you and are hopeful this allows us the opportunity to get to know you as well.

Thank you, Mylee, Mike, Family, & Staff

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Member of the Month Nickos Chimney Company Congratulations to Nickos Chimney Company for being awarded Member of the Month for the month of November! The small business is located on the Route 30 Corridor across from the Saint Vincent College intersection. Make sure you stop by Nickos-They will exceed your fireplace expectations, so you have a cozy haven when the Western Pennsylvania snow hits the region!

How many years have you been in business? We have been in business for 41 years, established in 1977

How did you get started in this business? Nickos Chimney Company began with the owner getting his hands dirty – his face, too! It proved to be a prosperous entry into business for George J. Spanos. When he started sweeping chimneys in Greensburg over 41 years ago, no one else in town was doing that dusty job. One day, His brother-in-law, Mark Opsitnick, spotted a magazine advertisement selling the notion that you, too, could become a chimney sweep in your spare time. Eventually Opsitnick and Spanos purchased equipment, tools, and do-it-yourself literature, and they formed – out of the final syllables of their names – “Nickos Chimney Sweeps". Spanos and Opsitnick set up shop in Owner, George Spanos, in his office at the garage behind their home on Pittsburgh Street in Greensburg. The exposure just off Main Street the Route 30 Storefront was great, but the increase in expenses was almost fatal. They formed Retail, Installation and Service as three separate types of businesses. Two years brought not only a profitable turnaround, but also a major expansion. Nickos Chimney Company purchased property in Greensburg with and expanded with a showroom, office, and warehouse.

In 1992, a devastating arson fire destroyed Spanos’ business on Georges Station Road. It took about three years for the company to get back rolling again and another 10 years to pay off the loss. Spanos and his employees set up shop in his Greensburg home before moving the business to its present location on Route 30 in Latrobe, across from Saint Vincent College. After 40 years, George still evaluates every installation job and prepares proposals for the customers.

What is your favorite part about working for Nickos? The family atmosphere we have with our staff and customers. It reflects at each job we complete showing our pride and accomplishment. We make fireplace dreams come true.

How has your chamber membership help you succeed? The networking with the Chamber has lead us to several new business partners. The community involvement that the Chamber offers to our small businesses is priceless.

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Lapp Family Market Bringing quality food to Latrobe on Route 30 With a wide range of foods from deli and bakery, to grocery and bulk foods, Lapp Family Market opened for business in August 2014. Since then we have continued to grow and expand our inventory of items and services. Family is the cornerstone of our business. We are family owned and operated, and we seek to serve families by providing good quality food and ingredients.

The Lapp Family grew up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in the heart of Amish country, and moved to Latrobe in 2012. Our appreciation for good food at affordable prices and consumable quantities led us to recognize the opportunity to serve this community with Lapp Family Market. Our primary vendors are from Amish and Mennonite communities like Holmes County, OH and Lancaster County, PA; however, we have recently added several local vendors who value and provide high quality products. We are also growing our organic and gluten free selection to meet a growing demand for those products. While we do not carry any produce in the store, another family from our church sets up a produce stand on our front porch during the summer and fall with local seasonal produce.

The variety of products that you can find in our store surprises many of our customers and keeps them coming back to see what new products we have added since their last visit. Our inventory has continued to grow and change as we have learned how to best meet the needs of our customers. We also have a good selection of outdoor playsets, storage sheds, and poly furniture to help your family relax and enjoy time together. If you enjoy canning, baking, cooking, entertaining guests, or just eating, then Lapp Family Market should be your destination. Come, gather ‘round the table!

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Market on Main Street Grand Opening Celebrating at the beginning of November in Downtown Latrobe Faith Forward Ministries is pleased to announce the grand opening of Market on Main, November 9, 2018 from 11:00-8:00pm with a ribbon cutting at 4:00 . Market on Main is located in the Mozart Hall building at 338 Main Street Latrobe. We feature antiques and treasures of all kinds – with a very diverse assortment of items- something for everyone and any age. The proceeds from the sale of items will go toward funding our programs such as Faith Forward Ministries and Angel Arms. Faith Forward is a non-profit , faith-based, human service agency that that offer services such as family counseling, case work, addiction counseling, and support groups. Angel Arms is an infant recovery home for babies born in addiction. We offer out patient services at this point in time, but plan on expanding the program by December of this year. This program is uniquely different because in that focus is placed on getting the entire family healthy. Services are for parents, grandparents, and caregivers alike. Market on Main shop is another way of supporting our programs within the community. During the grand opening ,light refreshments will be severed and providing music for your enjoyment. Also, two gift baskets were donated will be raffled off. A fun time for all for all is planned- a great time to buy that hard- to- find gift for a loved one. Donations for Market on Main are currently being gratefully accepted, with the exception of clothing Written by Executive Director, Dawn Hennessy

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73rd Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony Each year, the Chamber recognizes the succeses of our members by presenting for awards. In the past, the awardees have been selected by a committee. This year, nominations were opened up to the Chamber membership. This is a way to get members more involved, as well as, assure a wider range of nominees. This year’s awardees were 

Volunteer of the Year-Tim Bates for his work with the Chamber’s Education Committee

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Non-Profit Organization of the Year-CASA of Westmoreland, for their work providing advocates for the abused and neglected children in the Westmoreland County Court system.

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Small Business of the Year-Rusbosin Furniure, a family owned and operated ness in Latrobe, celebrating their 55th Anniversary.

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Community Service Award-Honoring Quatrini, Rafferty for their lifelong contributions to the Latrobe Community.

The Chamber Congratulates all of this Year’s Award Winners!

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busi-

We Welcome to our

Newest GLLV Chamber Members PennWest, Mount Pleasant Worklink Staffing, Youngstown Paper Heart Affairs, Latrobe Grane Health Care, Greensburg, Mount Pleasant

Greater Latrobe Beverage Company, Latrobe Coldwell Banker –Tony Vecchio, North Huntington DiMartino’s Ice, Jeanette PRS Pharmacy Services, Latrobe Westmoreland Financial Services of Pennsylvania, Ligonier Third Stop on the Right, Latrobe Panichelle Financial, New Alexandria

BattleZone Latrobe, Latrobe

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Did you purchase your pink ticket yet? Win a trip for 2 to Sandals Royal Bahamian. Ticket winnings include 4 days, 3 nights including airfare plus $500.00 cash. Only 500 tickets will be sold through the GLLV Chamber of Commerce! The cost for a ticket is $20.00. These make great stocking stuffers and Christmas presents! Maybe it will be YOU that escapes from the South Western Pennsylvania snow. Don’t wait—purchase now! The ticket will be pulled on December 31, 2018.

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November (Events)

November 2 - Sport Clips Ribbon Cutting &



[Noh-vem-ber]

Thirty’s Craft Pizza & Beer Ribbon Cutting

Noun 1.) The month with many fun and engaging events

Ribbon Cutting

9 - Faith Forward Market on Main

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14 Business After Hours -Aroma



Italiano

at the chamber of commerce 

2.) Eleventh month of the year, 30 days

15 Morning Mimosa Mingle at Ramada Ligonier

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17-YPG Kick Off to Giving Dinner at Holy Family Social Hall 

Cutting

Would your business like to host a 2019 event? Contact Hannah Kahn (Hannah@gllv.org) at the chamber office to find the month that works for you!

Submit your organization’s activities to be posted on the chamber’s even page. The latest events listing is online.

19 - Paper Heart Affairs Ribbon

December 

Greater Latrobe Beverage Company Ribbon Cutting

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12 Business After Hours at Springhill Suites

www.latrobelaurelvalley.org/events

GREATER LATROBE - LAUREL VALLEY REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERECE info@gllv.org PO Box 463 - Latrobe, PA 15650٠724-537-2671٠www.gllv.org Visitor & Information Center is located on Route 30 West beneath Sharky’s

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