Chamber Connection
Your connection to the greater Hanover business community.
Chamber News
Pages 5-7
Business Briefs
Pages 8-10
Events
Page 11
2023 Signature Events
Join the Hanover Chamber for the 54th Annual Golf Outing on Thursday, June 1st, at the Hanover Country Club.
Start the day with breakfast before a scramble start at 8:30. Enjoy on-course games and try your luck in the raffle! The event concludes with lunch, winner announcements, and raffle drawing. For complete details, visit hanoverchamber.com/golf-outing.
New date! Join more than 1,500 people to sample beers at Moul Field in Hanover on Saturday, September 16 for the 6th Annual Snack Town Brewfest. Presented by Utz Brands, Campbell's Snacks, and Public House at The Markets, enjoy beer and wine from more than 40 vendors. Plus live music, great food and friends! Complete details can be found at www.snacktownbrewfest.com.
Volunteers Needed
Thank you Workforce Sponsors
Join the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce and Utz Brands on Saturday, July 15, for a one day festival in Downtown Hanover, that features craft vendors, food vendors, live music, kids’ entertainment, and more!
Vendor applications are available online. Artists and crafters, businesses, non-profits, food trucks, bakers and brewers are all invited to participate. More details available at snacktownstreetfair.com.
The Hanover Chamber is seeking volunteers for the Annual Golf Outing, Snack Town Street Fair, and Snack Town Brewfest. Volunteer shifts are available at various times for a wide assortment of tasks, like setup, admission, cleanup and more.
Groups are welcome and encouraged as a great way to promote your business or organization! All volunteers and participating businesses will appear in our newsletter following the events. Contact Sarah Messer at smesser@hanoverchamber.com for more info!
Sponsorships
A variety of sponsorships for these events and others are available. For more information, please contact Sarah Messer at smesser@hanoverchamber.com to learn more.
2022-2023 Community Leaders
CGA Law Firm
Conewago Enterprises, Inc.
Cross Keys Village - The Brethren Home Community Ox Industries
Riley Welding & Fabricating LLC
Select Physical Therapy
Community Leaders and Chamber Partners are members who have made significant investments in chamber programs throughout the year. These investments help the chamber to provide new opportunities and benefits for our members, while continuing to support workforce, community, and economic development. If you are interested in learning more about how your membership can make an impact, please contact Gary Laird at glaird@hanoverchamber.com.
Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce
Chair of the Board
Brandon J. Smith, AAMS, Edward Jones
Secretary/Treasurer
Ashley Hershey, BSSF CPAs
Vice Chairs
Jeremy Frey, Barley Snyder
Sarah Gebhart, WellSpan
Julia Groft, Manpower
Cynthia Simpson, Utz Quality Foods
Lesley Zinn, UPMC
Past Chair
Mike Kelly, Traditions Bank
Board of Directors
Dr. Jay Burkhart, South Western School District
Jon Harris, M&T Bank
Nikki Hoffman, Stambaugh-Ness
Liz Johnides, The Markets at Hanover
Jess Kelley, Campbell's Snacks
Drew Little, Conewago Valley School District
Rebecca Prehoda, Member's 1st FCU
Dr. Susan Seiple, Hanover Public Schools
Jody Shaffer, YWCA Hanover
Loni Smith, Hanover Auto Team
Chamber Staff
Gary Laird, President glaird@hanoverchamber.com
Elizabeth Csuri, Administrative Manager ecsuri@hanoverchamber.com
Sarah Messer, Director of Operations smesser@hanoverchamber.com
Chamber Connection is a monthly publication of the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce. For deadline information, please contact the office at office@hanoverchamber.com.
APPI Energy
1996
APPI Energy is one of the oldest and largest energy consulting firms in North America, and are proud to be true pioneers in the deregulated energy industry. Since 1996, their team has been dedicated to providing customized, tailored and trusted energy management solutions to commercial and industrial clients. To that end, they are also extremely proud to have been working with the Hanover Chamber, providing energy solutions to members, since 2010. "We like to say we are an extension of your team, helping you to make smart, well-informed energy decisions to help your organization to reduce energy costs, reduce energy demand, and improve energy efficiency and sustainability."
D A T A - D R I V E N E N E R G Y M A N A G E M E N T S O L U T I O N S
27 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY
47%
OF OUR CLIENTS ARE IN MANUFACTURING, METALS, PACKAGING AND AGRIBUSINESS
34
973
While headquarters are based in Salisbury, MD and serve all of the U.S., more than half of APPI's client base is located in Pennsylvania. To that end, their consultants greatly look forward to the Hanover Area Chamber events where they get the opportunity to connect with members, listen to the challenges yobusinesses are facing, and provide solutions to help you overcome them.
As a member benefit, APPI Energy provides Hanover Chamber members with trusted energy management solutions that are tailored to your needs, goals, and budgetary constraints. Their team is here to serve as an extension of your team, helping you to reduce energy costs, reduce energy demand, and improve efficiency and sustainability. In addition to negotiating more favorable electricity and natural gas supply contracts, APPI Energy can assist with both large and small-scale efficiency and sustainability projects, from demand response to LED retrofits to solar PV.
NUMBER OF HANOVER CHAMBER MEMBERS WE CURRENTLY WORK WITH
1996
10,861,781
27 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY
TOTAL KWH WE CURRENTLY MANAGE FOR HANOVER CHAMBER
34 NUMBER OF HANOVER CHAMBER MEMBERS WE CURRENTLY WORK WITH
147,640,418
TOTAL KWH WE MANAGE FOR PA CLIENTS
NUMBER OF CURRENT PENNSYLVANIA CLIENTS
47% OF OUR CLIENTS ARE IN MANUFACTURING, METALS, PACKAGING AND AGRIBUSINESS
2,690
TOTAL DTH WE MANAGE FOR HANOVER CHAMBER MEMBERS
973 NUMBER OF CURRENT PENNSYLVANIA CLIENTS
134,443
TOTAL DTH WE MANAGE FOR PA CLIENTS
10,861,781
TOTAL KWH WE CURRENTLY MANAGE FOR HANOVER CHAMBER
2,690
Contact your dedicated Energy Consultant, Brandon Upchurch, for more information:
TOTAL DTH WE MANAGE FOR HANOVER CHAMBER MEMBERS
Your History Shapes Our History!
147,640,418
134,443
To help us celebrate 100 years, we are inviting members to share their story with us. Your story could be an inspiring or interesting moment in your company history, an overview of your company history, a person or place that impacted your company, a story about your connection to the Chamber or to the greater community – and so much more!
TOTAL KWH WE MANAGE FOR PA CLIENTS
TOTAL DTH WE MANAGE FOR PA CLIENTS
Contact your dedicated Energy Consultant, Brandon Upchurch, for more information:
You can find the submission form on our website at hanoverchamber.com/100-years.
Member Spotlight: Olivia's House
Olivia’s House: A Grief and Loss Center for Children provides individualized, no-cost grief and loss education and support to children and their families who have experienced the death of a loved one. Offering one-of-a-kind peer-support education programs, professional adjunct counseling referrals, and tangible resources from the Olivia’s House lending library (the largest grief and loss library in the nation), families can rest assured that support is only a phone call away. Olivia’s House is once again participating in Give Local York (starting on May 4th). Please consider supporting this independent freestanding mission, located right in the heart of downtown Hanover, and help them remain the primary resource for grief and loss in our community.
Give Local York
Save the date for Give Local York! Give Local York will now run from 9pm on May 4 to 9pm on May 5, 2023. The Hanover Chamber encourages you to support local nonprofits in this day of giving. You can view a full list of participants at www.givelocalyork.org.
Legislative Roundtable - Feb. 3rd sponsored by UPMC & WellSpan Health
Membership Mixer - Feb. 9th hosted by DOCEO
Blast from the Past!
Shown in this photograph is the Hanover Trust Company that was once located off Center Square. Note the old traffic signal and street name signs.
If you have any photos that you would like to submit for inclusion in an upcoming newsletter, you can send them to office@ hanoverchamber.com.
SHERIDAN & FRITZ, HONORED ON COLOR MAGAZINE’S INAUGURAL POWER LIST 40 UNDER 40
Jeshanah E. Fox, Marketing Director at regional premier advisory firm, Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz (BSSF), was recently named an exceptional leader on COLOR Magazine’s inaugural POWER List 40 Under 40.
COLOR Magazine is an all-inclusive publication focused on highlighting topics of interest for professionals of color. The POWER List 40 Under 40 recognizes leaders of color, under the age of 40, who are making an impact within their organizations and within their communities across the country. Honorees are selected based upon their leadership within their chosen career; their rise through their company/organization; their initiatives and successes in growing their business; and their community involvement outside of their career.
“It is an honor to be recognized among such an amazing group of leaders across the country,” said Jeshanah. “I am incredibly grateful for the roles that I am in, both at BSSF and in the community, and thankful for the opportunity I have as a woman of color to be present at the table, because representation is so important to making an impact on creating diverse professional communities.”
Jeshanah joined BSSF as Marketing Coordinator in 2015, and her expertise and strong work ethic quickly advanced her to the role of Marketing Director. In this role, Jeshanah focuses on aligning the strategic vision of the Firm with marketing initiatives. In addition to overseeing the marketing department, Jeshanah is a key leader for several of the Firm’s operational initiatives, including being one of the champions for the Firm’s diversity, equity and inclusion strategies to drive change in the Firm and the industry as a whole.
In addition to her dedication to BSSF, Jeshanah is deeply passionate about community service. She oversees BSSF’s
community giving and helps organize the Firm’s volunteering events. She also serves as a volunteer leader for several nonprofits, including serving on the Board of the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts and the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, as well as on the Advisory Committee for the United Way of the Capital Region Women’s Leadership Network.
Jeshanah has received numerous recognitions for her professional accomplishments, including the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg’s 2022 Women of Excellence Award, Central Penn Business Journal’s 2020 Women of Influence Award, The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) 2018 Rising Philanthropist Award and the Association for Accounting Marketing (AAM) 2017 Rookie Marketer of the Year Award.
“We are incredibly proud of Jeshanah for being honored on COLOR Magazine’s POWER List 40 Under 40, among her many other impressive accomplishments,” said Ken Wolfe, President and Managing Principal at BSSF. “Both within our Firm and within our community, Jeshanah is distinguished as a team player, a hard worker, a skilled professional and a dedicated community servant. I cannot think of another individual who is more deserving of such a prestigious national recognition.”
BROWN SCHULTZ SHERIDAN & FRITZ RANKED ONE OF AM BEST’S TOP AUDIT AND ACTUARIAL FIRMS IN THE U.S. IN 2022
“We are thrilled that our insurance practice was again recognized by AM Best as one of the largest practices across the country,” said Ken Wolfe, President and Managing Principal at BSSF. “We have some incredibly knowledgeable and talented team members who lead the BSSF Insurance Practice, providing clients with extensive knowledge and exceptional service uniquely tailored for the insurance industry. I am so proud of all the work they do to help their clients achieve extraordinary outcomes.”
BSSF was ranked the 23rd largest audit firm in the U.S., based upon the loss reserves of the property and casualty insurance clients served. According to the total number of property and casualty insurance clients served, BSSF is ranked the 14th largest audit firm in the U.S. BSSF received the same ranking in 2021.
AM Best’s Top Audit and Actuarial Firms ranking list focuses on independent accountants who audit insurers’ annual financial statements, as well as third-party actuaries who provide annual statutory actuarial opinions regarding insurers’ policy and claim reserves. The Top Audit and Actuarial Firms ranking lists the top 25 firms in the U.S. based on loss reserves. According to AM Best, “The firms that rank on the Top Audit and Actuarial Firms list understand statutory-based financial accounting. They also stay abreast of developments among regulatory bodies, particularly the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in the United States, to ensure compliance with current standards.”
Regional premier advisory firm, Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz (BSSF), was recently ranked as one of the largest audit firms in the U.S. on AM Best’s list of the Top Audit and Actuarial Firms – 2022 Edition. This marks the second consecutive year that BSSF has received this recognition.
The BSSF Insurance Practice is comprised of seasoned professionals and specialists who provide a full range of accounting advisory services, business advisory services and tax preparation and consulting services to insurance providers across the United States, including mutual and stock insurance companies, captive insurance and risk retention groups and self-insured groups. BSSF insurance clients range in size from $1 million to more than $150 million in direct premiums written. BSSF served 29 property and casualty insurance companies in 2022. In addition, BSSF serves captives, risk retention groups and self-insurance groups not included in the AM Best results.
MOODY’S INVESTOR SERVICES AFFIRMS WELLSPAN HEALTH BOND RATING, NOTING ‘DISTINCTLY LEADING MARKET POSITION’
YORK, PA (Jan. 31, 2023) – Moody’s Investor Services has issued a stable outlook for WellSpan Health’s bond rating, pointing to a ‘distinctly leading market position’ as reasoning to affirm the healthsystem’s rating, despite the ongoing challenges facing the healthcare industry. Moody’s affirmed the “Aa3” and “Aa3/ VMIG 1 revenue bonds” rating for the second year in a row.
“This affirmation of our bond rating and stable outlook confirms WellSpan’s leading position in South Central Pennsylvania. Although WellSpan is facing the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 with growing expense inflation,” said Laura Buczkowski, executive vice president and chief financial officer, WellSpan Health. “Moody’s assessment reinforced WellSpan is wellpositioned to optimize our performance while providing the best quality, experience and lowest cost for our patients.”
In addition to its leading market position, Moody’s Investor Services noted WellSpan’s important financial stewardship and savings initiatives and an experienced management team who can ensure execution of improvements facilitating sound operating cash flow margins when compared to peers, with profit margin and balance sheet metrics expected to strengthen in fiscal year 2024.
“We continue to disrupt and transform today’s healthcare system to exceed the expectations of our communities. The entire WellSpan team of 20,000 play an active role in driving our outstanding clinical performance and wise stewardship of resources,” said Roxanna Gapstur, Ph.D., R.N., president and chief executive officer, WellSpan Health.
WellSpan’s recent partnerships with Rite Aid, Truveta, General Catalyst and Helix, among others, highlight the organization’s commitment to innovative approaches and vision to reimagine healthcare. Continued investments in critical infrastructure projects such as the expansion of WellSpan
York Hospital, as well as expansion of services for the organization’s comprehensive behavioral health network demonstrate a focus on supporting the health of the communities in South Central Pennsylvania.
COMMUNITY FIRST FUND WELCOMES ERICKA STEWART
Community First Fund welcomes Ericka Stewart as their community lender serving York, Adams, and Franklin counties. With more than 16 years in the finance and banking industry, Ericka brings valuable experience to serving the business financing needs of the community. Ericka’s wealth of knowledge stems from her varied roles and responsibilities and a steadfast commitment to serving her community. She joined Community First Fund to help empower business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to realize their dreams by providing the technical assistance and access to capital to achieve them. Ericka is bilingual in Spanish and is involved in many different non-profit organizations in York County. She is eager to bring her expertise and passion to the Hanover community. Ericka is an Essential Piece of our Community First Fund team.
Community First Fund’s mission is to create financial equity through wealth building opportunities for individuals, families, and business owners, especially Persons of Color, women, and immigrants. It seeks to create positive change in a community by providing entrepreneurs with access to business development loans for projects that generate jobs, create affordable housing and help to revitalize communities.
by the daily law journal, reported that Barley Snyder grew at the fastest rate among larger Pennsylvania firms (with more than 100 attorneys) and at the 8th fastest rate overall in 2022 based on its percentage increase over the prior year. The firm’s net gain of 15 additional lawyers in 2022 placed Barley Snyder as the second fastest-growing firm in the state based on its increase in the number of attorneys. The publication also stated that Barley Snyder ranks as the 23rd largest firm in the Commonwealth, ranked by the number of its Pennsylvania-based lawyers.
“While this annual ranking further showcases the growth of our firm, it is also a perfect time to reflect and remember how we have grown strategically with the intention of recruiting like-minded, hard-working, and effective colleagues,” said Managing Partner Jeff Lobach. “We attribute our successful growth to our exceptional team. We look forward to continuing to expand our services over a larger geographical footprint and across a broader universe of clients and potential clients in the coming years.”
LEONHARDT MANUFACTURING WELCOMES NEW SUPPLY CHAIN PLANNER
Leonhardt Manufacturing is excited to announce the addition of Kathy Nilphai as Supply Chain Planner & Buyer.
BARLEY SNYDER RANKED A “FASTEST GROWING” LAW FIRM IN PENNSYLVANIA
Barley Snyder is proud to share that the firm has been ranked as one of the fastestgrowing firms in Pennsylvania by The Legal Intelligencer.
With more than 10 years of experience in the purchasing industry, Niplhai is a welcome addition to the Leonhardt Supply Chain team. Previously she worked for a local manufacturer as a materials planner.
Nilphai resides in Dallastown with her husband and corgi named Niner. She has four adult children and enjoys reading, traveling and hiking in her spare time.
LEONHARDT MANUFACTURING PROMOTES JOHN ANDEL TO OPERATIONS MANAGER
Leonhardt Manufacturing is pleased to announce the promotion of John Andel to Operations Manager. As Operations Manager, Andel is focused on applying lean manufacturing principles throughout Leonhardt. He is also responsible for developing and growing the team in skilled trades. Andel began with the company in 2021 as a Quality Engineer focused on continuous improvement. He lead various projects and training that improved production. Andel is a Certified Quality Engineer and a Six Sigma Black Belt. He currently serves on the leadership team at Leonhardt and is participating in the Leadership Hanover program.
Outside of Leonhardt, Andel is a House Church Leader and wrestling coach. He enjoys spending quality time with his family, hunting and serving others.
Member Benefit: Business Briefs
Don't miss the chance to share the latest news and and updates from your business!
News must be submitted by the first Friday of the month for inclusion in the following month’s newsletter. Please include a highres photo in JPG or PDF format with your submission. News will be included as space permits.
Please send all news and files to the Hanover Chamber at office@hanoverchamber.com.
Chamber Members can also submit news via ChamberMaster to be included online on the News page on the Chamber's website. This page is visible to both members and the community.
STOCK AND LEADER'S SLENKER NAMED CHAIR OF WELLSPAN CENTRAL REGION BOARD
WellSpan Health announced the appointment of York County attorney Neil A. Slenker as Chair of the WellSpan Central Region Board of Directors, which serves as the Board of Directors for WellSpan York Hospital and WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital.
“Neil’s prior leadership as vice chair has positioned him well to guide our board as we navigate priorities for the York area and ensure the safe, high-quality care our communities deserve,” said Victoria Diamond, senior vice president for the central region of WellSpan Health and president, WellSpan York Hospital.
The WellSpan Central Region Board of Directors is a volunteer governing board, with members elected to three-year terms and officers serving a one-year term.
Neil has practiced law for almost thirty years at Stock and Leader in York. He serves as the Chair of the Business Group and is a member of the management committee. Additionally, Neil serves on the Board of Directors of the York County History Center.
