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Susquehanna Valley Susquehanna Style has always been a champion for local businesses. The men and women behind the organizations on the following pages are the faces of commitment and success. We salute their entrepreneurial spirit and present to you the 2019 Faces of the Susquehanna Valley. TEXT BY KAREN HENDRICKS, HENDRICKS COMMUNICATIONS PHOTOGRAPHY BY DONOVAN ROBERTS WITMER, THE PREMISE STUDIO
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Susquehanna Valley
The Face of Financial Education
AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union Financial education programs have garnered state and national awards four years running at AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union. That’s because every seminar is completely customized, according to Brittney Monteith, assistant vice president of marketing. “A lot of financial institutions have out-of-the-box-style programs for everyone, but we cater each specific program to each group’s goals and needs,” Monteith says. Financial literacy begins at the preschool level, says Brit Parker, business development specialist. A special “Adulting” series is customized for college and young adults; financial seminars are also developed for professional and networking groups, employers, and senior citizens.
“Sometimes, financial education literally means sitting around a table with people,” says Alexandria Resetar, marketing specialist, “And people appreciate that. We’re real and able to answer their questions. There aren’t robotic answers, and that makes financial education hit home.” AmeriChoice welcomes anyone in the community to contact them for free financial presentations. Serving Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry Counties, AmeriChoice is a not-for-profit financial cooperative offering a full range of loan services: personal, auto, home, and student loans, in addition to commercial lending options.
2175 Bumble Bee Hollow Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 | AmeriChoice.org | 717-697-3474 JUNE 2019
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Susquehanna Valley
The Face of Neurosurgery and Pain Relief
Argires Marotti Neurosurgical Associates of Lancaster A new face is bringing innovative pain-relieving technologies to patients at Argires Marotti Neurosurgical Associates of Lancaster. Dr. Steven M. Falowski specializes in complex spinal procedures and treatments of chronic pain, such as spinal cord stimulation. In addition, he performs treatments for movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease with deep brain stimulation. In recognition of his skills among his colleagues, he serves on the board of the North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS). “We’re committed to helping patients avoid opioids and restore quality of life,” says Shawn Taylor, practice administrator. “That means exploring treatment options, both surgical and non-surgical, and Dr. Falowski’s skills add another layer of options.”
Argires Marotti treats, but is not limited to, patients experiencing back or neck pain, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and migraines; screenings can detect early-onset Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The practice includes neurosurgeons Dr. Perry J. Argires, Dr. Louis A. Marotti, and Dr. Falowski, who all focus on brain and spine surgery; Dr. Jarod B. John is a neurologist. “Ultimately, our goal is to help patients overcome hurdles of pain in their lives,” Taylor says.
160 North Pointe Blvd., Lancaster, PA 17601 | argiresmarotti.com | 717-358-0800 22 SUSQUEHANNA STYLE // JUNE 2019
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The Face of a Better Banking Choice
First Capital Federal Credit Union It’s a banner year for First Capital Federal Credit Union, as the not-for-profit launches its anniversary celebration, “Putting You & York County First for 65 Years.” Staff members, some pictured here, pride themselves on “making a difference in members’ lives,” says Sue DeStephano, president/CEO. “I’m very passionate about credit unions because we’re all about helping people,” says DeStephano. “We can make local decisions. First Capital is easy to talk about because it’s a great, smart financial choice.” So how does a credit union work? “As a member, you own a piece of the credit union and have a voice. All money goes back to members in the
FACES Susquehanna Valley
form of lower loan rates, higher deposit rates, and less fees,” says Tara Houser, vice president of marketing and business development. “We offer the same services as traditional banks,” Houser says—this includes CDs and loans of all shapes and sizes, including local business loans for sole proprietors or larger companies. The largest York County-based credit union, First Capital is also celebrating the 5th anniversary of their rewards checking program, Kasasa. “Kasasa truly changed the way members do banking,” says DeStephano. “It’s an exciting product that members love and that helps them achieve financial goals.”
Three branches in South, East, and West York: 1601 Kenneth Road, York, PA 17408 firstcapitalfcu.com | (717) 767-5551 or (800) 893-2328 JUNE 2019
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Susquehanna Valley
The Face of Outdoor Living
C.E. Pontz Sons Landscape Contractors Maybe our title should be “Facebook of Outdoor Living.” C.E. Pontz Sons’ photos and videos are making a splash on social media, from Instagram inspo to the talk of Twitter. “Visually, people see what can be done,” says Bobby Kenyon of C.E. Pontz. “Then, they dream up their own plans. And if they can dream it up, we can do it.” More and more customers “want it all,” says Kenyon. Outdoor living spaces can include any and all of the following: water features (including waterfalls and ponds), patios, pavilions, seating and dining areas, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, fire pits, landscape lighting, outdoor audio, and more.
Founded in 1934, C.E. Pontz has evolved from landscape design to backyard construction, including unique water features only available through their Master-Certified Aquascape Contractor designation. The C.E. Pontz team’s personality, creativity, and skill also shine through social media. Backyard transformations come alive through before-andafter photos. Videos showcase sparkling and tumbling waterfall features, even plunging underneath the surface for a fascinating look at aquatic life (set to the music of Jaws of course). “People who see our social media feel like they already know us, and we build relationships right away,” Kenyon says.
2355 New Holland Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601 | cepontzsons.com | 717-394-9923 24 SUSQUEHANNA STYLE // JUNE 2019
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The Face of Relationship Banking
S&T Bank
S&T Bank was selected as a Forbes “2019 World’s Best Bank” and earned the #3 spot in the country. “Relationship banking has been the foundation of our business for over 115 years, and our goal has always been to help our customers to achieve theirs,” says Evan Dickinson, business banking regional team leader. “We live and work here and are committed to helping our communities thrive,” says Lauren Mariani, government banking manager. S&T’s bank-wide community service initiative focuses on giving back to our neighbors. “We are very passionate about volunteerism, especially
with food banks because we know there’s a need,” says Matthew Motyka, regional manager. S&T offers a full-service approach, providing consumer and mortgage banking, commercial banking, treasury management, business banking; wealth management, and insurance solutions. Headquartered in Indiana, PA, S&T offers more than 50 branches—including seven throughout Central PA.
3345 Market St., Camp Hill, PA 17011 with additional locations in Harrisburg, Lancaster, and New Cumberland | stbank.com | 717-920-6028 JUNE 2019
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The Face of Wealth Management
Smith Wealth Advisory Group “Two things set us apart—what’s inside our heads and what’s inside our hearts,” says Kevin J. Smith, founder of Smith Wealth Advisory Group of Janney Montgomery Scott. He’s referring to his team’s knowledge and expertise (Smith himself has achieved an unprecedented 12 professional designations), plus his group’s broader purpose—making a positive difference in the lives of others. Smith founded the practice in 2001, inspired by childhood visits to a financial advisor with his grandfather. Areas of expertise include retirement and estate planning, portfolio management, education funding, philanthropy, risk and debt management, and more. Clients hail from the local region as well as the entire country. Smith and his team are guided by a quote from Thoreau: “Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.” “When crafting a financial plan, it’s not the money that matters but what it can ultimately do,” Smith says. “It’s about retiring comfortably; aging with dignity; creating memories and experiences; educating children and grandchildren; and the ability to pursue passions, chase dreams and embrace life for all it has to offer. True wealth is all these things and so much more.”
MEMBER: NYSE FINRA SIPC
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2315 N. Susquehanna Trail, Suite A, York, PA 17404 smithwealthadvisory.com | 717-779-2769
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Susquehanna Valley
The Face of Events
Klock Entertainment Jason Klock had a vision for his dream business; the problem was, there wasn’t a blueprint to follow. “A full-time DJ business didn’t exist here in our region, so there were challenges in growing the business, educating the market,” says Klock. “But in my heart it’s what I always wanted, and I wasn’t going to take no for an answer.” His vision launched from his hometown of Paxtang when he invested in two speakers from a yard sale at age 12; Klock’s first DJ gig was at his junior high school, Swatara. He started DJing weddings at 18. By 22, he was officially a small business owner, launching Klock Entertainment, LLC, in 2011.
Today, Klock’s stats speak for themselves: 400 weddings plus several hundred corporate events a year and 50 employees staffing a full range of services from DJs to production, video, lighting, photo booths, and more. “We do everything except cook the food for an event,” Klock says with a laugh. To what does he attribute his success? “We have a great team that understands the flow of events—not just the discipline and timing, but the level of customer service, so the whole, overall experience is positive and memorable.”
1310 Crooked Hill Road, Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110 | klockentertainment.com | 717-836-7366 JUNE 2019
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The Face of Publishing the Region’s Leading Lifestyle Brand With a lifelong passion for magazines, Sam is excited to lead the extremely talented Susquehanna Style team in growing the brand, uniting our community, and helping the region’s businesses grow. Sam brings years of international publishing experience, having helped guide the brand development of global editions of major publications with Rodale, including Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Runner’s World, and Bicycling. Originally
from Baltimore, Sam has been a Lancaster County resident for nearly ten years thanks to her love of all things Lancaster and local. When not in the office, you can find Sam baking and cooking up new concoctions, trying a new fitness class, or enjoying a local happy hour with friends. Say hello; introduce yourself and your organization at squisgard@ susquehannastyle.com.
330 E. Park Dr., Harrisburg, PA 17111 | 717-581-6550 | susquehannastyle.com 28 SUSQUEHANNA STYLE // JUNE 2019
PHOTO BY JEN FOSTER
Samantha Quisgard, Susquehanna Style