U ! O T Y OUR A H H W N N AN R A I LE EED N
e-Learning Training
Are you on a need-to-know basis? As in, you only have time to learn the things you absolutely need to know? You’re not alone. Our increasingly busy work days don’t leave much time for learning new programs or keeping up with changing technology — until now. Our new e-Learning courses cover all the essentials, and all from the comfort of your own office.
Excel Basics
Word Basics
Excel Intermediate
Word Intermediate
Excel Advanced
Word Advanced
Excel PivotTables
PowerPoint Basics
Publisher Basics
PowerPoint Advanced
Computers for Executives
Windows 7 Basics
Registration is easy! Visit www.mbausa.org for the latest schedule of e-Learning webinars or contact Association Computer Training Manager Amy Pontillo at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660, or apontillo@mbausa.org for more information.
BUSINESS M A G A Z I N E Manufacturer & Business Association
VOLUME XXV, NUMBER 1
LONGEVITY
AND LEADERSHIP
Employers Share Their Strategies for Long-Term Success / Page 14
JANUARY 2012
14
January 2012
Blue Ocean Strategy Center
EDITORIAL >
FEATURES >
What's in a name? A venerable Erie firm goes national.
9 / Health Matters
Tom Tredway, sales manager at Erie Molded Plastics, a Fairview, Pennsylvaniabased manufacturer of high-quality plastic injection molded parts, reflects on the company’s growth over the past 30 years as well as plans for future success.
MELISSA DUNN
13 / On the Hill
4 / HBKS Wealth Advisors
Why an integrated health and productivity strategy is the best way for employees to take charge of their health.
11 / Legal Brief
Who’s in control? Limiting your potential liability from constructive agencies. W. PATRICK DELANEY
Entrepreneurship f o n o ti ra eb el C A
unliments, inc., sjm r sigma instrum inc., superio mechanical medical center, of Erie, seneca y products inc., spencer s inc., the ophelia project, beverage william d. ited, inc., specialtswisher concrete product l contractor, bromeley, tionesta inc., ton centre thomas r. benedict, Electrica adsorbents co., william l cancer center,w. E. s. contracting, washing actic distributing the regiona young chiropr ect, l.c., home inc., a-X builders inc., Elkin funeral company, uniconn Evaluation, , weaver master assessment r inc.,bail usa t sales inc., physical therapy Electric inc. ..a.g. Endicot ind inc, b.z. motors chrysle trucking, boyer inc., zewe 30 YEARS. n physical thercenter blanco select , of anderso div , pa., inc., ises, bates collision northwest heat transfer b & t Enterpr business interiors hospital, pc, diseases of ds, hs rebuilding, ..a. j. grack inc., chest and waterbe inc., baker animal lot, bioptec Equipment 20 YEARS. camsco service llc, atlee’s heavy clifford’s carpets ion, barb’s care-a-gresh construcrv center inc., apy Etc. inc., s & recreat christian school, conneaut cellars winery, david chuck for athletic llc., brothers, inc., clearfield alliancesolutions of pa inc., friedman & baker Equip. & Equipment, of s power company, cancilla l, inc., conner, riley, custom services diesel injection & parts computer inc., bittel & creative logistic animal hospita products inc., center llc, dmd, trailers inc., n law corry metal tion inc., clarion d lumber, cpr auto d. osborne h, inc., dennis s inc., denniso inc., Edward inc., Erie petro& audry frydryc e health specialists weichler, copelaninc., david b. lytle producte company, Engel o’neill molded plastics ford, works, georgeko aft and machin i-80,inc., digestiv company, inc., Erie ltd., crivelli g, Erie water inc., freidi corp., y at law, press inc., Ellwood cranksh ation serv. & recyclin associates, Erie mill and offices p.c., investments, henry, attorne proppathology coordin . a. circle full franklin Environ gregory precision production, leum, inc., ods, james advertising, griffith o.d., inc., hagerty french creek lane hardwo jks gregory a. ting, jones industries, inc., hickory forquer group, grit commercial printing marketinsystems, inc., jon lewis contrac inc., heatron car tion, #623, kern impact , used inc., Eagle trucking ods gv taladay giant n paving corpora tes pc, kunes guido and jones hardwo usa, associates erties inc., jefferso , inc., kersey & associa of carmen f. lamanc tool inc., hanak, carpet connection inc., e county Eye heating b’s law offices mathies and ies inc., lawrenc plumbing & technology, finishes, joe m.d., f.a.c.s., larry m. kozik, s, laurel propert sports med p.c., lawrie marlec inc., & sales & service, tes, inc., m. javed akhtar, floor, nittany coating inc., refrigeration, tv & e county ortho. magnet applications e inc., multi er associates p.c., lcm associa appliance furniture pc, lawrenc tion, rak comput mcnair softwar ophthaltes, party corpora k trucking, c sons, inc., millers health associates, p.c., rice, magill & associa inc., lisann glass manufa rings, mckissic iences, pediatri at your , inc., molded fiber y, inc., Q-E Excel& klein pc, inc., p.b.s. mental inc., rearick tooling mcinnes rolled inc., northshore neurosc hip, plylers tiac gmc truck, hollis, mock machine compan tucker dental inc., co. gh g partners cox, inc., tool screw auction tion minnau inc., ram inc., ritchey, media strippin creek limited , inc. swift auto er, knight, hospital, perry landscape, inc., symmco gs industrial corpora buick gmc Erie inc., piney , orthodontist, schaffn straub brewery staab inc., stuck realty,molded plastics inc., the rick weaver mology of center p.c., and steel inc., inc., r. r. mclane r control co. inc., woodin scully’s pub tech k. kampas tdr spa dental ..Erie forge weathe auto service royprographics, s coal company, inc., Excavation, service, ronald t technology corp., alley aids, 140 YEARS. club lence, llc, company, tom’s market inc., brother transmission, stephen dyne d company, Erie es tamburlin e beverage & co., p.c., schmid, starlite group, inc., publishing ssion/cottman , white cliff n inc., the highlan ty, c & j industri g firm, titusvill ..the derrick ..aamco transmi area sewer authori country builders agresti law y dmd, toby technical precisio brothers roofing rth campin 130 YEARS. 50 YEARS. k. kaminsk inc., town & ministries corporation, inc., butler inc., farnswo inc., tory tool dmd, pc supply, ttt company, wpa management medicine shoppe, thomas blackman Electricinc., Erie industrial trucks,mfg., inc., lawn & garden bell, comtri-med rehab the ..taylor roofing n all seasons wood and house inc., ce machine professional 120 YEARS. sales & service, g, wear Else? inc., webb y, inc., Erich rentalmanufacturing, jackbur corporation, inc., herman tom’s , avoogy y villa, inc., inc., y, pizza compan sackett’s food group polymer technoll, ankle and foot care n metal finishin inc., william d. morosk er service division center, hewlett instrument compan united refining d door inc., ..advanced ultra precisio a. ..ford custom pine 25 YEARS. of penn, llc, patton inc., ad tool & design, ark pet hospita city associates in podiatry suter overhea 110 YEARS. parts, william center inc., advertising inc., animal inc., whitehe bay er thers, inc., rosetoforeign auto placement es, bluewat Excavating, munications company, lamar & son, inc. communication tool-all, inc., wagner inc., b. forbes , blue ox timber resourc c.j.E. bingo sups inc., motsch inc., inc. nia tavern d.m.d. inc., of pa., w. h. woodward service, teaco Evergreen nurserie vleet welding & a trees unlimited any errors company inc., er Excavatc inc., bill van 2011. We regret Enterprises, company, fairviewy inc. power meat inc., chittest inc., , burns white, as of October n with updated informace, inc., asel ..Erie strayer & e compan charter plastics, mal solution member records nications center Associatio 100 YEARS. allshouse applian is based on bertram tool ll corporation, co., wise machin rer & Business information ent, inc., commu co-op..allen farms, corp. of pa, bac, inc., ogy inc., critter the Manufactu plies, caldwe Anniversary lakeview forge 40 YEARS. ises inc., carl cochranton . Please contact clearfield Equipm , corry laser technol ns. y, dubois development farm, bollinger Enterpr or omissions paper co., inc., mith company inc., designs ing, cirr inc., in future publicatio inc., atlantic waste authorwholesale fichena compan orr landscape tion for inclusion y inc., bish ..clearfield county solid connections, son, inc., lloyd-s contemporary t financial services, david 90 YEARS. s, inc., dunnm ods, Elk machine compan care E.l. heard & l. bauer, clinton product nity tion, crocket charles inc., asphalt co. corner, erative associa es realtors, commu r. smith, inc., Edinboro hardwo y prodassemblies plus inc., dunbar d chem inc., ll banker select, custom Electronic ology motorcycles Erie specialt inc., desmon trumbull industri ity, coldwe son inc., Eaco inc., ion corporation, shop inc., dermat pclearfield Ems, E.g. Emil & & coke food center, fabricat inc., & tics welding Erie studio, landsca e s costa’s asko dave’s inc., inc., machin green prosthe treaters, inc., inc., Ettinger Enterinc., inc., faivre ..a. duchini & design inc., associates county heat warehouse funeral home, y inc., meadow brook fultz 80 YEARS. custom tool service center winslow & gindy’s tire y, gardinier w. h. animal clinic, of Erie, E. a. james a. hisucts inc., fairview al technology inc., & metal companthe hartman group, Electric compan inc., franklin r. sorg, attorney at law, associates industri auto company, inc., liberty iron Enterprises john inc., frontier supply, j & s grinding , jim judson orthotics, llc, floral shop, rexam plastics, manufacturing co. ises, inc., gerard fries auto sales, inc., ing, f.r. bradley g & heating ’s llc, john greene Enterpr construction, hoover oilfield jerald b. hatch plumbin ent, inc., zippo dairy, moffatt mason farms prises, g.g. company inc., johnson line p.c., inc., walsh Equipm & cooling, inc., jet tool som, d.d.s. creamery, allburn florist, kml industrial supply m. m. fitzgerald inc., hydro-pac kindle heating appliance service,est E. Ehrman’s beaver meadow mcfate, r builders, inc., five inc., mclaughlin Enterprises, pe supply, body, john inc., northw w. schaefe coach & travel, machine company, s body inc., kline sales, inc., m k landsca design corp., new motors ..anderson inc., mattock lts klapec auto inc., fessler tool & 75 YEARS. of corry, inc., & plastics, inc., matrix tool, p.c., l services cooperative & supply corp., t interiors, moldex medical group reilly co. inc., pasco tool p.c., r. surgical inc. lakes pipe central Electric waddell & reed financia means inc., associates, p. j. neshannock mazany contrac s well service, rization inc., pdQ prasad, m.d., grinding inc., inc., plaza dental robert mazza inc., plug & product inc., weathe mcfate & mcfate, gh tool l pa petrex tool, nationa y, pittsbur 25 ode hky Electric, , m.d., p.c., north coast powerplant packing morlin inc., ausa.org > cturing compan son, wood-m paul chernic company, inc., > www.mb robert a. santora health, sharon machine service,wealth managesuddarth & ..Eriez manufa r company, behavioral oral & newco Electric abstract llc, peyton December 2011 nt 70 YEARS. inc., thomas dugan harbor conrade & provide rak safe n inc., center co., snyder ridg-utech int., penn suburba d doors inc., & johnson corporation, vincent surgery robison painting inc., pro chem hill shirey overhea cenedella, m.d., steptoe tca mateting inc., saint technologies n’s inc., briar incorporated company inc., ogies, industrial contrac g inc., bradiga l industrial surgery, stephen inc., supply technol ment inc., rsl ant, villa co. maxillofacial valve & couplin ing, twins restaurwest side n tool & die hospital, cardina inc., Elder ..allegheny veterinary 60 YEARS. buie Excavat inc., pllc, suburba r Equipment e, camboro ional appraisal, tom ion corp., wakley Escort internat damage inc., rustic furnitur farms & cottages, dottere rial vpi acquisit h Enterprises b. schwab finishes, dohler Ernest, llc, formtec medical supply, ning, james inc., pon& air conditio sales service, chev buick en heating mcQuill agnello auto service, waxes, j. j. mccandless r 2011 company inc.,
who i v i d ua l s r av E i n d u n t ry - b and f t h i s co ing jobs kbonE o c E, c r E at r E t h E b ac or sErvi Est EnEurs a roduct thEy inv EntrEpr ping a p d s ma l l. argE an by d E v E lo l E s c E s on i n t a i u h n ss ho r mmu to o k a c co u n t l E w t h i n co r working mic gro s o E n s turE s E co E n i bus man ufac driving in thEir tion , thE m p l E t E ly appr Ecia niEs co of s pa E m lv sign E co sE. as a thEms mEmbEr r EntE rpri zE thosE c t of thEi r E co g n i s! E vEry aspE E a s E d to u l at i o n ion is pl co n g r at a s s o c i at i n 2012 . s s s E E i n i r s a u s & b nivEr s to n E a n ry ing milE creek veterina c E l E b r at tray co., orchard cturing co.
ausa.org 24 < www.mb
3 / Spotlight
Senator Pat Toomey and U.S. Congressmen Mike Kelly, Tom Marino and Glenn Thompson discuss their legislative outlook – and focus – for the year ahead.
14 / Longevity and Leadership Area employers share their strategies for long-term success and the pivotal benchmarks that have enabled them to adapt, compete and evolve.
3 28
29 / Central PA Link NEW SECTION! In an effort to broaden the Association’s visibility and impact as the leading business resource for employers in the region, the MBA is introducing Central PA Link, a special section dedicated to issues and news in central Pennsylvania.
< Decembe
Happy Anniversary >
24 / Our special section recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit of the
Association member companies celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2012.
DEPARTMENTS > 7 / Business Buzz 12 / HR Connection
26 / HR Q&A 28 / People Buzz
A Must See for 2012! For the most current Business Magazine updates, visit our new Website, www.mbabizmag.com, fan us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! January 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 1
PRODUCT RECALL --two words you definitely don’t want to hear!
The stakes are higher than ever for a wide variety of companies that could be subject to a product recall. No two product recall insurance policies are exactly alike. Buy the right policy the first time, one that will help manage and limit a broad range of potential financial exposures.
“The Bloomstines” Commercial, Industrial & Institutional Property, Liability & Workers’ Compensation Insurance Agents Lloyd’s London Correspondents and Correspondent Brokers Worldwide 123 West 9th Street Erie, PA 16501 814-452-3200 Fax 814-454-5598 www.imcerie.com e-mail: john.bloomstine@imcerie.com
SPOTLIGHT > by Karen Torres Longevity. It speaks volumes about a company’s success. But achieving this milestone is not easily done. In order to be in business for a long time, entrepreneurs know they have to create and build strong relationships with their customers, vendors and employees alike. Tom Tredway, sales manager at Erie Molded Plastics, a Fairview, Pennsylvania-based manufacturer of highquality plastic injection molded parts, reflects on the company’s growth over the past 30 years as well as plans for future success.
Erie Molded Plastics was founded in 1982 by your father and longtime Manufacturer & Business Association Board Member Phil Tredway. Tell us about the company's start. My parents had recently moved back to Erie and my dad was looking to open his own business. He had a good manufacturing background so he started networking the Erie area for opportunities. He eventually got in touch with Willi Maier, owner of Omni Plastics. Willi generously agreed to hire Erie Molded to run overflow work if my dad opened his doors. That was enough to get Erie Molded started with two presses. What was the reason for focusing on the plastics industry and custom injection molded parts? A big factor was the strength of the plastics community here in Erie. Custom injection molding was growing at a tremendous rate during the ‘80s and the ‘90s, and my dad saw an opportunity in starting a regional supplier of high-quality molded parts. Many national OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) back then saw the wisdom of sourcing their injection molding requirements in our community. In 2012, Erie Molded Plastics will mark its 30th anniversary. How much has your business and industry changed over this time? The most significant change we experienced was the increased competition from overseas. It became easier for companies to manage the communication and logistical requirements to have their parts manufactured thousands of miles away. Our business responded by increasing automation, developing our own offshore sources, and creating proprietary items that allow us to have a tighter control of our own destiny. As a family owned business, what are some of the greatest opportunities and challenges that your business has faced? Our greatest opportunities lie in the fact that we can be nimble and quick when pursuing new business. The decision-making process doesn't have too many layers — our management team sits down to analyze the risks and rewards and a decision is made. And we are complemented by great employees from the ground up who can execute quickly and care about the future of Erie Molded. Our biggest challenge is getting our name out there among a field of larger companies. We are a medium-sized molder competing in an industry that is experiencing a lot of consolidation. Erie Molded Plastics has grown from a four-person operation to that of more than 50 employees. How would describe their contributions to Erie Molded Plastics’ success? Essential. Without their contributions over the past 30 years, Erie Molded would not exist. We have smart and dedicated employees who understand the need to be efficient in order for our company to stay competitive. How much emphasis do you place on your relationships with your customers and vendors? It’s a key to our success. We focus on developing partnerships that are designed to make our customers’ lives easier. To that end, we strive to be a transparent and accessible part of their supply chain. The same goes for vendors. We rely on them to keep our machines running so our goal is to establish long-term relationships with quality vendors. What are the long-term plans for Erie Molded Plastics? We own land to the north, east and west, so the plan is expansion of our custom and proprietary businesses at our current location. We will get there by continued reinvestment in people and technology and finding the right customers and vendors to grow with.
VOL. X X V, NO. 1 JANUARY 2012 Manufacturer & Business Association Board of Governors
Yvonne Atkinson-Mishrell John Cline Dale Deist Bill Hilbert Jr. Timothy Hunter Dan Ignasiak Richard Knight J. Gordon Naughton John B. Pellegrino Sr., P.E. Dennis Prischak Lorenzo Simonelli Phil Tredway
Editor in Chief Ralph Pontillo rpontillo@mbausa.org Executive Editor John Krahe jkrahe@mbausa.org Managing Editor & Karen Torres Senior Writer ktorres@mbausa.org Communications Jessica Crocker Specialist jcrocker@mbausa.org Contributing Angie Angus Writers W. Patrick Delaney Melissa Dunn over Photography C Advertising Sales
Contributed by Anderson Coach & Travel, C&J Industries, Eriez, Liberty Iron & Metal, The Regional Cancer Center, Ridg-U-Rak, Inc., Rog's Inc., Straub Brewery, Woodward and Zippo Manufacturing Patty Welther 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660 pwelther@mbausa.org
Design, Production Printing Concepts Inc. & Printing printcon@erie.net
ON THE COVER: Area employers talk about their long-term strategies for success and pivotal benchmarks that have enabled them to adapt, compete and evolve. For full story, see Page 14. Mission Statement The Manufacturer & Business Association is dedicated to providing information and services to its members that will assist them in the pursuit of their business and community interests. – Board of Governors Manufacturer & Business Association 2171 West 38th Street Erie, Pa. 16508 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660 www.mbausa.org © Copyright 2012 by the Manufacturer & Business Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial, pictorial or advertisements created for use in the Business Magazine, in any manner, without written permission from the publisher, is prohibited. Unsolicited manuscripts cannot be returned unless accompanied by a properly addressed envelope bearing sufficient postage. The magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. The Business Magazine and Manufacturer & Business Association do not specifically endorse any of the products or practices described in the magazine. The Business Magazine is published monthly by the Manufacturer & Business Association, 2171 West 38th Street, Erie, Pa. 16508. Phone: 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660.
January 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 3
“We have grown because our clients like the way we work with them — and more importantly, because they’re pleased with how we’ve helped them grow and protect their wealth.” — Chris Sorce, Principal and Senior Financial Advisor, HBKS Wealth Advisors
What’s in a Name? A venerable Erie firm goes national.
O
n December 9, veteran Erie financial executive Greg Sorce rose to welcome the revelers at the annual holiday party that has become something of a tradition in Erie. As the Sorce business has grown, so has the party and this year nearly 300 guests were there to drink in the holiday cheer. But this year they raised their glasses to more than the holidays; it was an announcement from the host that the firm, which was acquired in 2000 by the prestigious regional accounting firm, Hill, Barth & King, would no longer carry the family name. “I wanted to take a minute to let you in on a new development for our firm — wanted you to be the first to hear about it,” Sorce addressed the group. “We are changing the name of the firm. Henceforth we will be known as HBKS Wealth Advisors.”
The Sorce Financial Group was to differentiate its advisory business on two fronts. They would invest the time to gain a thorough understanding of the finances of their clients, and then create a detailed plan for that individual and family that accommodated their specific needs and goals. Further, they would closely monitor the plan making adjustments as needed over the months and years. In sum, they would develop intimate, long-term relationships with their clients in order to best protect and grow their wealth and help them achieve the objectives they have set for their wealth. As well, the firm, now independent, would take a highly disciplined approach to investing their clients’ money. They would not promote proprietary products, but remain independent in their investment recommendations. “So that the only thing driving our advice is what is in our clients’ best interests,” Chris Sorce notes. What’s in a name? And they brought into the In Erie, the Sorce name has been firm other highly respected Erieassociated with financial advice based financial advisors. Dean since 1950, when Greg’s and brother Piccirillo, who had worked with Joseph J. Sorce with sons Chris (left) and Greg Chris’s father was counseling his the brothers at American Express Erie neighbors on how to grow and (right) in 1984. The senior Sorce began his Financial Advisors, came on wealth management career in 1950, retiring protect their wealth as an advisor initially as an advisor, and soon in 2000. with IDS Financial Services. Greg added the roles of chief operating joined IDS in 1982; brother, Chris, started with the officer and chief compliance officer to his duties. As company in 1976. The two accompanied IDS in 1986 the business grew, Piccirillo returned to working fullwhen American Express Financial Advisors acquired time with his clients. Joseph Kloecker, a CPA, left his it. In 1994, the two purchased the historic 19th century position as controller at PNC Bank to join the firm, mansion The Wright House and a year later formed bringing with him a host of long-term trusting client The Sorce Financial Group. relationships.
Top left to right: Chris Sorce, CFP®, Principal and Senior Financial Advisor; Greg Sorce, CFP®, MSFS, Principal and Senior Financial Advisor. Lower left to right: Dean Piccirillo, CFP®, CRPS, AIFA, Principal and Senior Financial Advisor; Joseph Kloecker, MBA, CPA, Senior Financial Advisor.
In 2000, the success of the Sorce firm led them to look toward expanding their business. They were looking beyond Erie to other markets, but also to broaden the financial services they could offer their clients with other areas of expertise. That led to the firm’s merger with Hill, Barth & King (HBK), a prestigious regional accounting firm in business since 1949 with more than 10,000 clients across the United States. HBK, also with a reputation for longterm client relationships, was looking to expand its offering with a wealth advisory group. The resulting marriage became HBK Sorce Financial. Since 2000, HBK Sorce Financial has expanded into Ohio and Florida as well as throughout Western Pennsylvania, and added licensed financial professionals in a wide range of financial disciplines. The original firm philosophy, that a caring, intimate relationship is the foundation for a financial plan that gives a person the best chance for success, has generated more business and increased assets under supervision from $200 million to more than $1.4 billion. The change to HBKS Wealth Advisors reflects the firm’s growth in size and capability, but also its expansion into other cities and states. The name “Wealth Advisors” more accurately reflects the nature of the business. “Of course we are very proud of having the Sorce name on the door of this firm for so many years,” Greg told his holiday audience. “But from a marketing standpoint, to compete effectively in these new markets we need a name that has more of
a national than local feel to it. HBKS Wealth Advisors is just that — and it’s easier to pronounce and spell than Sorce. “You know that our philosophy has always been rooted in our focus In 1995, The Sorce Financial on doing what is best for Group was formed by Chris and Greg Sorce. It was our clients. The path we headquartered in the historic have chosen for our firm 19th century mansion, The is consistent with that Wright House, today the home belief. Growth allows us of HBKS Wealth Advisors. to continue investing in technology and other resources, to continue innovating, to continue broadening our wealth advisory services, to continue attracting more talented financial professionals to our team. “What the name change does not mean,” Chris Sorce added, “is a change in how we do business. We have grown because our clients like the way we work with them — and more importantly, because they’re pleased with how we’ve helped them grow and protect their wealth. We’re still their local firm, working one-on-one; we’re simply applying that same local philosophy in other locales.”
HBK Sorce became HBKS Wealth Advisors in January 2012. The name was changed to more accurately describe the breadth of services the company offers.
HBKS WEAlTH ADvISORS · THE WRIGHT HOUSE · 235 WEST 6TH STREET · ERIE, PA 16507 · PHONE: 814-459-1116 · HBKSWEAlTHADvISORS.COM
Business Buzz ERIEZ EQUIPOS MAGNETICOS MARKS 40TH ANNIVERSARY
marketed through 12 international facilities located on six continents.
Eriez Equipos Magneticos, S.A., (EEMSA) recently celebrated its 40th anniversary as an Eriez® affiliate. Since joining the Eriez family, EEMSA has become a leading provider of magnetic, vibratory and inspection equipment to Mexico.
For more information, visit www.eriez.com.
At the company’s 20,000-square-foot manufacturing plant located in the city of Queretaro, Mexico, about 130 miles north of Mexico City, the complete line of Eriez products is manufactured, enabling the manufacturer to develop a large footprint in Mexico by establishing sales offices throughout the country. Eriez is recognized as world authority in advanced technology for magnetic, vibratory and inspection applications. The company’s magnetic lift and separation, metal detection, X-ray, materials feeding, screening, conveying and controlling equipment are manufactured and
DEPARTMENTS > Contact: Jessica Crocker
MACDONALD ILLIG MAKES 'BEST LAW FIRMS' LISTS
The law firm of MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP was recently named to the first-tier of U.S. News & World Report Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” rankings. In the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, MacDonald Illig received recognition in a multitude of practice areas. Six of the firm's practice areas earned first-tier status, more than any other law firm in northwest Pennsylvania, including: Environmental Law; Health Care Law; Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants; Project Finance Law; Public Finance Law; and Trusts and Estates Law. For more information, visit www.macdonaldillig.com.
Northwest Savings Bank Plans NewLAKES Downtown GREAT AUTOMATION SERVICES HONORS MILITARY Building Project
Great Lakes Automation Services (GLASi) owner
Northwest Savings has displays purchased and retired U.S. Marine Bank Ken Fisher the emblems of the U.S. Armed Forces at hisBuildfacility the former Knights of Columbus in McKean, Pennsylvania, which recently held ing andhouse the Diamond an open to celebrateBlock/Sal the MarineDicembre Corps Building in downtown Warren.toThe bank, birthday. GLASi provides equipment Marines and soldiers, that contain poweron which plansincluding to holdkits a public meeting switches for military vehicles such as Humvees its construction plans, is now in the planand MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) ning stages of expanding its corporate armored trucks. operations there. For more information, visit www.glasi.us.
The Regional Career & Technical Center is a leading provider of quality career and technical training programs for adults. We offer a wide variety of courses, affordable tuition and convenient class schedules. RCTC specializes in customized training that is tailored to meet the needs of your organization. From entry-level to advanced training, let RCTC develop a program for your employees based on a time frame, location and schedule that best suits your requirements. Visit www.ects.org/rctc for a complete course schedule or call 814.464.8601 for more information.
Register for classes January 3 – 13. Term III classes begin the week of January 23. Program offerings include:
Automotive Technologies • Business Principles • Computer Training • Construction Trades • Drafting & Design HVAC • Industrial Technologies • Manufacturing Technologies • Medical Technologies • Welding
8500 Oliver Road • Erie, PA 16509 The RCTC is the adult training division of the Erie County Technical School, an equal opportunity educational institution.
January 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 7
WHEN YOU WANT THE WHEN YOU WANT THE WORLD WORLDON ONAA PLATTER... PLATTER... You simply need to meet with the accounting professionals You simply need to meet with the accounting professionals of Schaffner, Knight Minnaugh & Company, P.C. of Schaffner, Knight Minnaugh & Company, P.C. As members of the elite McGladrey Alliance, we draw upon international As members of the elite McGladrey Alliance, we draw upon international resources to provide our clients with solutions to unique circumstances and resources to provide our clients with solutions to unique circumstances and goals, not cookie cutter answers. We invest in our people through continuous goals, not cookie cutter answers. We invest in our people through continuous training which provides a value-add to you and your business needs. training which provides a value-add to you and your business needs. Through us, you willwill experience thethe power ofof being Through us, you experience power beingunderstood. understood. When you you are are ready for for World Class Service served When ready World Class Service servedonona asilver silverplatter, platter, givegive us aus call. a call.
CertifiedPublic PublicAccountants Accountants Certified
Schaffner, Knight, Minnaugh & Company, P.C. ... ... Schaffner, Knight, Minnaugh & Company, P.C. World Class Service for for World Class Clients. World Class Service World Class Clients.
Check out our NEW Website!
Check out our NEW Website! www.skmco.com
Certified Public Accountants www.skmco.com
Offices:
Offices: Erie, PA
1001 State Street, Suite 1300 Erie, Erie,PA Pennsylvania 16501 1001 State Street, Suite 1300 814-454-1997
Erie, Pennsylvania 16501
Jamestown, NY
Dubois, PA
Jamestown, NY 14701
Reynoldsville, PA 15851
500 Pine Street, Suite 14 Jamestown, NY14701 Jamestown, NY 500 Pine Street, Suite 14 716-483-0071
351 Aviation Way Dubois, PA PA 15851 Reynoldsville, 351 Aviation Way 814-375-2700
The McGladrey Public Alliance is a premierAccountants affiliation of independent accounting and consulting firms. The McGladrey Alliance member firms maintain their name, autonomy and independence and are responsible for their own client fee arrangements, delivery of services and maintenance of client Certified 814-454-1997 716-483-0071 814-375-2700 relationships. The McGladrey Alliance is a business of RSM McGladrey, Inc., a leading professional services firm providing tax and consulting services. McGladrey is the brand under which RSM McGladrey, Inc. and McGladrey & Pullen, LLP serve clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; business needs. McGladrey, the McGladrey
logo and the McGladrey Alliance signatures are used under license by RSM McGladrey, Inc. and McGladrey & Pullen, LLP. The McGladrey Alliance is a premier affiliation of independent accounting and consulting firms. The McGladrey Alliance member firms maintain their name, autonomy and independence and are responsible for their own client fee arrangements, delivery of services and maintenance of client relationships. The McGladrey Alliance is a business of RSM McGladrey, Inc., a leading professional services firm providing tax and consulting services. McGladrey is the brand under which RSM McGladrey, Inc. and McGladrey & Pullen, LLP serve clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; business needs. McGladrey, the McGladrey logo and the McGladrey Alliance signatures are used under license by RSM McGladrey, Inc. and McGladrey & Pullen, LLP.
Health Matters
EDITORIAL > by Melissa Dunn
Empower Your Employees by Developing a Health and Productivity Strategy Comprehensively managing health and wellness across all benefit lines is a challenge that many companies face in trying to develop business strategies to address rising medical costs and improve the health and productivity of their work force. Only through a holistic and integrated approach that breaks down traditional “silo” benefits and allows for more comprehensive management of an employee’s health, can employers properly address health and productivity issues that can impact an organization’s performance. This is a strategy that does not include rationing care or reducing benefits. Rather, it looks to create savings by looking across all care provided to an employee, and then coordinating that care to identify health trends and create programs to positively impact these trends. This not only benefits the employer, but it also improves the overall health of employees. The Problem Studies have shown that treating patients with chronic diseases accounts for 75 percent of the nation’s health-care spending. For an employer, those costs can include short-term disability costs, workers’ compensation costs, absenteeism costs, and medical and pharmacy costs. Too often employers try to wrestle with those costs in silos, which creates excess expenditures and underwhelming results. An Integrated Solution An integrated, total health management strategy links the resources a company offers to employees, which are often already in place – including leave management, shortterm disability, employee assistance
programs, wellness, lifestyle coaching and more – to proactively address health and productivity issues. Seeing the connections between programs, and how each program can impact an employee at a time when assistance is needed most, is critical to a successful health and productivity strategy. Employers who provide employees with a 360-degree view of all benefits and resources available empower the employee to access care and assistance. This approach identifies, engages and impacts more employees and results in improved health and productivity. An Example of How It Can Work An employee of a family owned business recently filed a leave claim to take time to provide care for her mother. Once the claim was submitted, the employee assistance program (EAP) contacted her to see if she needed help in finding daily care. During the conversation with the EAP counselor, the employee acknowledged that she is feeling severely overwhelmed by the burden of her job and her family responsibilities. After further discussion, she was referred to a behavioral health counselor to be evaluated, who then referred her to a partnering physician for further evaluation and treatment. Through the process, the employee received assistance for her current family situation and was provided the right care for her personal health. This resulted in the employee returning to work with limited distractions. How to Get Started An integrated approach breaks down silos and creates crosswalks for employees to receive the services of multiple programs through one source.
Employers can break down these silos by providing an integrated technology platform and service processes that look at individual employees and connect them to the various services available. In-depth data analysis enables collaboration among leave management, employee assistance, employee benefits, workers’ compensation, disease management, and other programs to best serve employees. When employees are more knowledgeable about their own health, they are more motivated to follow prescribed treatments and better able to achieve goals for a healthier life. An integrated health and productivity strategy provides solutions that are all intended to empower people with the information, tools and support needed to take charge of their health. For more information on integrated health management, visit UPMC's Website upmcworkpartners.com.
Melissa Dunn is senior director of Sales and Marketing for UPMC WorkPartners, which is part of the integrated partner companies of the UPMC Insurance Services Division. These include UPMC Health Plan, LifeSolutions, UPMC for You (Medical Assistance), Askesis Development Group, Community Care Behavioral Health and E-Benefits – and which offer a full range of insurance programs and products.
January 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 9
Managed Document Services Managed Print Services PROVIDING YOUR COPY/FAX/PRINT EQUIPMENT NEEDS ACROSS 13 COUNTIES IN WESTERN NY NW PA AND EASTERN OHIO SINCE 1952
The Erie Federal Credit Union is the only credit union in Erie that offers business loans! Kristi Bailey,
Business Solutions to save you time & money:
(814) 825-2436 Ext. 1035 KBailey@eriefcu.org
• Short & Long Term Loans • Lines of Credit • Equipment Financing • Business Checking & Savings • Business MasterCard®
www.eriefcu.org
*Loans subject to credit approval. Membership eligibility required.
Director of Business Development & Services
• Debit Business Card • Merchant Services • Merchant Indirect Loans • SBA Loans • Employee Programs & More
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
10 MANF < www.mbabizmag.com < January 2012 Ad 1111.indd 1
11/9/11 4:03 PM
Legal Brief
EDITORIAL > by W. Patrick Delaney
Who’s in Control? Limiting Your Potential Liability From Constructive Agencies We've written in the past about the liability that you can incur when your “agent” causes harm to a third party. The rationale for that liability is that you control how your agent is performing his or her work. Remember, an agent is someone you authorize to act on your behalf. Your employees are considered your agents. So are individuals such as brokers or sales representatives. By engaging these agents (whether they are employees or independent contractors), you are empowering or “authorizing” them to deal with third persons on your behalf. However, there are circumstances in which you may become liable because of the acts of a party you never perceived to be your “agent.” This “constructive agency” arises in circumstances where you assume control over the conduct of another. Case Study Consider Jenson Farms v. Cargill, Inc., 309 N.W. 2d 285 (Minn. 1981). Cargill is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of agricultural products. Among the services that Cargill provides to its agricultural customers is financial assistance. Warren Grain & Seed Co. (“WGS”) was an enterprise that operated a grain elevator, purchasing grain from local farmers and reselling it to grain companies. In 1964, WGS applied for financing from Cargill, Inc. Cargill reviewed the operations of WGS and thereafter provided working capital to WGS on an “open account.” Under this arrangement, WGS paid its expenses by issuing drafts drawn on Cargill’s banks. Proceeds from WGS’s sales would then be deposited with Cargill and be credited to WGS’s account. As part of the arrangement, Cargill enjoyed the first right to purchase grain sold by WGS.
In 1967, a new contract was negotiated that enlarged WGS’s financing. As part of this arrangement, Cargill was given more control over WGS’s operations including a veto right over certain business decisions. The relationship continued and, by 1976, Cargill was buying 90 percent of all grain handled by WGS. Given its economic power, Cargill was now dictating to WGS how to handle its receivables and inventories. Cargill was even “suggesting” what business lines WGS should pursue. However, in early 1977, problems were discovered. An audit revealed that WGS’s financial statements had been falsified. WGS immediately ceased operations, stiffing 86 farmers to the tune of $2 million for unpaid grain transactions. Those farmers did not go away quietly. They filed suit against Cargill, Inc. claiming that there was an “agency” relationship between WGS and Cargill and that Cargill was liable as “principal” for WGS’s wrongdoing. Perhaps not surprisingly, a Minnesota jury found in favor of the farmers. But Cargill appealed, contending that the elements of an agency relationship could not exist because Cargill never consented to an agency. However, the Supreme Court of Minnesota disagreed holding: “Agency is a fiduciary relationship that results from the manifestation of consent by one person to another that the other shall act on his behalf and subject to his control, and consent by the other so to act…. In order to create an agency there must be an agreement, but not necessarily a contract between the parties…. An agreement may result in the creation of an agency relationship although the parties did not call it an agency and did not intend the legal consequences of the relationship to follow…. The
existence of the agency may be proved by circumstantial evidence which shows a course of dealing between the two parties.” (emphasis added) 309 N.W. 2d at 290. The key finding was that Cargill had undertaken control of WGS’s internal operations. It was not merely the fact that Cargill financed WGS (a borrower is not the agent of a bank). It was the evidence of control that tipped the scale in favor of the farmers and against Cargill. Worth Noting Certainly, there are not many instances where the party can exercise the type of control that Cargill did with WGS, but the lesson is that the foundation of the agency relationship, and the potential liability that the principal bears, is the control that the principal exercises. Even when there is no express agreement creating an agency, the element of control can create potential liability. For more information on limiting your liability from constructive agencies, contact Patrick Delaney at MacDonald, Illig, Jones and Britton LLP at 814/8707658 or wdelaney@mijb.com. W. Patrick Delaney is a partner in the law firm of MacDonald, Illig, Jones and Britton LLP, where he is chairman of the firm’s Commercial Litigation Group. He is a 1976 graduate of Capital University Law School. His practice focuses on issues of business litigation in the state and federal courts throughout western Pennsylvania.
January 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 11
HR Connection
DEPARTMENTS > Contact: Patty Smith
Know Your Flexible Spending Account Limits Health insurance rates continue to climb and more and more employer groups are enrolling in health-care plans that have larger deductibles and co-pays and, in some cases, even co-insurance. In order to lessen the burden due to an increase in out-of-pocket expenditures, employers are permitting employees to contribute to flexible spending accounts (FSAs). These accounts are typically funded by employee money on a pre-tax basis. However, with the new health-care reform laws, there are many questions hovering over the rules that govern the FSAs, health reimbursement accounts, and even health savings accounts. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications were restricted for reimbursement with these types of accounts as of January 1, 2011. FSAs still may be used for other qualified medical expenses, including payment of
co-pays or deductibles. Other items not affected by the legislation include medical equipment, eyeglasses, hearing aids and insulin, for example. A total list of restricted items is still being developed but already includes allergy and sinus, pain relief, cough and cold, and motion sickness medicine, and certain ointments and creams. Members will need to provide a prescription with their request for reimbursement of an OTC medication. The prescription need not be presented at the time of sale but should be given to the FSA administrator for reimbursement. In addition, participants will still be able to use FSA debit card technology. However, debit cards will not be permitted for OTC medications. A copy of the purchase receipt and prescription will be necessary for these reimbursements.
As of January 2013, tax advantaged contributions to FSA accounts will be limited to $2,500. Each employer may choose a limit up to this amount depending on the risk they are willing to assume. This upper limit will be adjusted for inflation in years following 2013. For more information on FSA reimbursements, contact me at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or psmith@mbausa.org. Patty Smith is the director of Employee Benefit Services at the Manufacturer & Business Association.
Vital Record Storage •
Off-Site Storage & Retrieval
•
File Tracking
•
Regular Deliveries
•
Safe, Secure Storage Facility
•
Indexing And Retention Management
•
Bar Code Indexing
The Area’s Only Complete Document and Data Management Center.
Off-Site Storage: With the combined cost of labor, real estate, and technology, managing all of your vital documents on-site can be an expensive and time consuming process - a process that is likely affecting your bottom line. Archival Solutions, Inc. provides off-site record storage to businesses seeking a more convenient and cost-effective method of storing and retrieving records. At Archival Solutions, Inc., all records are securely stored in our warehouse, which is conveniently located on Seventh and Parade streets. The facility features a state-of-the-art security system and a fire protection system. File Tracking Technology: Archival Solutions, Inc. offers its clients the benefit of the most advanced systems of indexing and tracking. From entire boxes to individual sheets of paper, Archival Solutions, Inc. creates a unique barcode for all of your documents, allowing us to constantly track their movements both in and out of our storage facility. Our tracking technology also compiles a history of all transactions, so you know not only where your records are, but also where they’ve been. Retrieval and Delivery: Whether it is making a crucial medical decision or executing a new business strategy, we know that it is essential that you have quick and easy access to all of your important documents. At Archival Solutions, Inc., retrieval of your records is always only a phone call, fax, or an e-mail away. At your service 365 days a year, our highly trained personnel can promptly handle your request. Archival Solutions, Inc. provides swift and efficient pick-up and delivery service to all of its clients, including regular deliveries twice daily and 24-hour emergency service on request.
Does your business have the money to invest in the expensive record management equipment and software required to effectively manage all of its documents? Because we stay abreast of the most recent developments in record management technology, ASI can offer its clients the benefits of the most advanced systems of indexing and tracking. Every file in our facility can be located and retrieved in seconds. By specializing in record management technology, ASI is able to offer its clients this service at a fraction of what it would cost to install a similar system on-site.
12 < www.mbabizmag.com < January 2012
Locally Owned and Operated Ph 814.454-7984 Ph 814.969.2939 Matt@archivalsolutions.com
OntheHill
DEPARTMENTS > Contact: Lori Joint
Legislators Identify Key Issues for 2012 2012 could prove to be one of the most important election years in recent history. It likely will be the most discussed topic on the news, at work and at home, which is understandable considering what a pivotal year it could be. The Manufacturer & Business Association Government Affairs Department will continue to report on the major races that affect our membership areas in Pennsylvania. However, we also need to pay attention to the current issues that that will potentially impact your business. In the midst of this year’s presidential race, the Supreme Court will review the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare,” and decide whether the government can force Americans, under penalty of law, to buy a product they may not want or need. The economy also will remain a key issue with a focus on reducing government spending and waste, eliminating job-killing regulations, reforming the tax code, and developing energy independence. The Association believes that a positive business climate is essential for expansion of the economy, creation of new products and services, additional jobs and the prosperity of our nation. Recently, we asked a few of our elected officials about their focus and outlook for 2012. Here is what they said: Senator Pat Toomey, R-Pennsylvania “The most important thing we can do for Pennsylvania and for our country is to get our economy moving again and create the jobs we so badly need,” says Toomey. “In order to do that, we need to make sure we enact policies that will encourage small businesses to hire new workers and entrepreneurs to build new businesses. The best way to do that is to reduce the regulatory burdens on our small businesses, reform our broken tax code, and reduce our ballooning deficits. I hope to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle so that we can create the jobs hardworking Americans deserve.” Congressman Mike Kelly, R-3rd District Representative Kelly’s top three goals for 2012 are: job creation, regulatory reform and debt reduction. “Key to each is the development of America’s vast supply of natural energy resources,” notes Kelly. “Given our nation’s nearly 250-year supply of coal; our abundance of natural gas, especially in Pennsylvania, which has been called the Saudi Arabia of natural gas; and the millions upon millions of barrels of oil that can be produced right off our shores and underneath our soil, America can create the jobs and raise the revenue we need to grow our economy and secure our nation through increased energy independence.”
Congressman Tom Marino, R-10th District “If we are to see real economic growth and a significant decrease in the unemployment rate, three things have to happen: We must downsize Washington, cut federal spending and keep taxes low,” states Marino. “I plan to push for passage of my bill, HR 1779, which freezes federal hiring whenever the government faces a budget deficit. After all, this is what businesses and families are being forced to do — cut back on spending and set priorities until their financial situations improve. There is much waste in Washington. It is time we look at every dollar we spend.” Congressman Glenn Thompson, R-5th District “Every decision by the federal government, most especially in challenging economic times, must be tested against the question of whether or not it will assist in economic recovery and growth,” says Thompson. “Today, our nation must remain focused on ensuring that our small businesses and employers — the lifeblood of our economy — are able to, once again, grow and expand. During the 112th Congress, the U.S. House of Representatives has worked to pass more than 20 legislative measures focused on easing federal regulations, lowering business costs, and providing access to much-needed capital, so that our nation’s employers can grow, hire more workers and take on new endeavors. Unless we are successful in getting this country back on a path of economic growth, so many of the important challenges we seek to overcome — from ensuring a trained and competitive work force, to fixing America’s finances and longterm structural deficits, to reversing the increasing burden of rising energy costs — will go unmet.”
Election Update
This is a major election year with key races at the state and federal levels. Here is a snapshot of those races, which will be voted on during the Pennsylvania Primary on April 24 and General Election on November 6: • President (Pennsylvania has 20 Electoral College votes) • 33 Senate races, including one in Pennsylvania • All 435 House of Representative seats, including 18 in Pennsylvania For the most current election updates, visit www.mbausa.org. January 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 13
LONGEVITY
AND LEADERSHIP
American lagers, which all began when Peter Straub, Brock’s greatgreat-grandfather, founded the brewery in 1872.
Achieving longevity in business is not only a measurable accomplishment but a remarkable one as well.
In recent years, according to the brewery, modern brewing practices have paved the way for dramatic improvements in taste, quality and shelf life, as well as in production, packaging, marketing and distribution. Straub’s reinvention process focuses on using the innovations of employees to determine if advancements can be integrated, improving the company’s product line, and increasing efficiency while preserving its authenticity.
Employers Share Strategies for Long-Term Success
According to the Small Business Administration, seven out of 10 new employers survive at least two years and 51 percent survive at least five years — contrary to the long-held belief that 50 percent of businesses fail within the first year and 95 percent within five years. Yet the number of companies marking 50 years or more is surprisingly small. The U.S. Department of Labor found that of all private sector firms started in 1994, only 24.6 percent were still in business in 2010. So how do successful companies beat the odds? Of the Association member companies celebrating significant anniversaries in 2012 — Anderson Coach & Travel, C&J Industries, Eriez, Liberty Iron & Metal, The Regional Cancer Center, Ridg-U-Rak, Inc., Rog’s, Inc., Straub Brewery, Woodward and Zippo Manufacturing Company, for example — there is some common ground. Many of these employers say they have more than just a marketable product or service, but a committed leadership, a skilled work force and core values that have enabled them to adapt, compete and evolve.
“Over the years, the leaders of this family and company repeatedly demonstrated modesty in their many successes and gained wisdom in their failures,” notes Brock, of the contributions that led to Straub’s success. “As a legacy company, now being operated by the fifth generation, we know that prosperity for any manufacturer equates to growth, yet in the case of Straub, it has to be a responsibly measured and deliberate risk and return to ensure we are looking forward.”
“While many industry advancements are right for our company,” explains Brock, “others may save us money but simply don’t fit with our tradition and what our customers expect. Straub is always striving to gain new market share while remaining true to the customers that made us who we are.”
C&J Industries continues to stay competitive by investing in new technology. Shown here are the Class VIII Clean Rooms.
C&J Industries
The Straub Brewery in St. Marys has brewed beer continuously since 1872.
Straub Brewery
Founded: 1872 Headquarters: St. Marys, Pennsylvania Employees: About 35 full-time and part-time Mission Statement: “To brew Straub Beer with pride, passion and authenticity, without compromise, demanding excellence and the utmost quality, this is our commitment.” “Straub’s mission statement ultimately drives our business model and is present in every decision we make,” explains President and CEO William Brock. “This commitment is about satisfying our customers, but also requires us to respect and value Straub employees, involves communication and strong relationships with suppliers and demands that Straub act with integrity and demonstrate meaningful partnerships with our wholesalers and distributors.” Today, Straub is one of the oldest breweries in the United States and one of the few still owned by the original founding family. The 140-year-old company is known for producing traditional handcrafted 14 < www.mbabizmag.com < January 2012
Founded: 1962 Headquarters: Meadville, Pennsylvania Employees: 270 Mission Statement: “C&J will provide value to our customers through the use of technology and engineering solutions. We will seek customers that exhibit a reciprocal level of trust and a commitment to succeed, to our mutual benefit.” Dennis Frampton, president of C&J Industries, understands the importance of embracing the company’s core values and its mission statement to stay competitive in the plastics industry. “Trust is the cornerstone of every business relationship that we have,” he says. “Without trust, there is no investment or growth.” C&J Industries, which was founded by Dick Johnston and Harold Corner as Meadville Precision Tool and Mold, is a high precision, contract manufacturing and plastic injection molding company. The 50-year-old manufacturer credits a few milestone moments for molding C&J into the operation it is today. “The one that truly stands out,” says Frampton, “is an instance when a customer that we highly valued (and received multiple “Supplier of the Year” awards from) — had a change of business philosophy.” According to Frampton, the customer brought in a new management team and conducted a benchmarking exercise for both existing suppliers and potential suppliers. Through that process, the
customer identified some “gaps” that ultimately resulted in C&J not being chosen for their next major project. “Instead of taking this setback personally,” states Frampton, “C&J took it professionally. We investigated where we had shortcomings and launched an intensive five-year re-invention of C&J.”
and fuel surcharges, which factor into the pricing module. Anderson also is in the process of developing a Customer Relations Management tool to assist its associates with improved client communications. “We daily continue to work hard to achieve the Anderson Superior Travel Experience,” he says.
The investment in new technology and training now cuts across every aspect of C&J’s business. The company has invested more than $10 million over the past five years to upgrade everything, from engineering design software and high-speed, 3-D milling to state-of-the-art, all-electric injection molding presses and CNC programmable vision inspection equipment. These upgrades, notes Frampton, have enabled C&J to enter the high cavitation, medical molding market and poised the company, “to take advantage of many new and historically different business opportunities.”
The Zippo concept store, located inside its Bradford corporate headquarters, showcases many of the product lines for the Zippo lifestyle brand.
Zippo Manufacturing Company
Headquarters: Bradford, Pennsylvania Founded: 1932 Employees: 546 full-time and part-time Mission Statement: “Build your product with integrity and success will follow.”
The International Motor Coach Group recently named Anderson Coach & Travel Operator of the Year.
Anderson Coach & Travel
Founded: 1937 Headquarters: Greenville, Pennsylvania Employees: 215 Mission Statement: “Anderson Coach & Travel is committed to providing uncompromising personal attention, friendliness and quality service that will result in superior travel experiences.” Founded by O.D. and Dot Anderson, Anderson Coach & Travel has been family owned and operated since its humble beginnings — transporting schoolchildren to and from a one-room schoolhouse in 1937 — to serving more than half a million customers each year. “It was through our parents’ enthusiasm for the travel industry, their willingness to work hard and smart, and their firm belief in the American Free Enterprise System that they were able to grow our legacy,” says President Doug Anderson. “Today the challenges continue and, although different, the ultimate daily goal to safely transport the most precious of all cargo remains the same.” To help achieve this goal, Anderson Coach & Travel emphasizes the value of customer service and technology in the long-term success of the family owned transportation business. “We continue to invest in electronic enhancements that allow us to improve our service to our clients as well as with our associates. We have driver automated check-ins that prevent a driver no-show possibility,” Anderson states. “We are able to know exactly where each motorcoach is located all the time, which is a large security comfort for our clients as well as ourselves.” The company’s charter pricing system allows for client customization for all transports and gives Anderson the ability to monitor seasonality
Since being founded by George G. Blaisdell in 1932, and producing its first Zippo lighter in early 1933, Zippo Manufacturing Company and its windproof lighters have become iconic. Yet the company’s present day success can’t be traced to a single event or strategy, but rather numerous benchmarks. According to Mark Paup, vice president of sales and marketing, the earliest decision to have an extremely positive long-lasting effect was covering every windproof pocket lighter with a lifetime guarantee. World War II also was a pivotal time in the brand’s history, as the Zippo lighter was carried by GIs and became known as the “soldiers’ friend.” “Expanding distribution into international markets literally brought worldwide recognition,” adds Paup. And today, “Zippo lighters are now sold in over 160 countries” around the globe. In fact, this year not only marks the 80th anniversary of the lighter maker, but also a major manufacturing milestone. By mid-2012, Zippo will celebrate the production of its 500 millionth lighter. It’s a credit to not only the brand, but also Zippo’s relentless pursuit of new opportunities. “The original Zippo windproof lighter remains our cornerstone, but product diversification and market expansion are having a significant impact on our business,” explains Paup. “Over the past decade, Zippo has expanded from a lighter company to a lifestyle brand, adding watches, writing instruments, clothing, men’s fragrance, and an outdoor line of fire and flame-related products. We also are exploring the potential of markets such as China and India to grow sales and impact media awareness in previously untapped markets.” For companies like Zippo, achieving longevity in business is not an easy task. Many of the businesses that make it are not the businesses they were when they started out, and won’t be the same 10, 20 or 50 years from now. For those that do make it, the knowledge they learned along the way may be the real secret to their success. January 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 15
We Did It... Again.
Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval
What does this mean?
Your choice for
Exceptional Service & Comfort The Bel-Aire Hotel & Conference Center’s casual elegance and tasteful accommodations represent the area’s finest facility for:
• meetings, conferences • conventions and • social-overnight rooms Call (814) 833-1116
2800 West 8th Street Erie, PA 16505
16 < www.mbabizmag.com < January 2012
Accredited 2011
2008
2005
2003
1999
StairwaysBH.org 814.453.5808 or 888.453.5806
The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval validates that Stairways Behavioral Health consistently follows the national standards that lead to the best care. Meeting the Joint Commission’s standards is an accomplishment that recognizes our dedication and commitment in the treatment of mental health in Erie and Crawford Counties. Our goal is to provide comprehensive services so that our clients and their families have access to the treatment and support necessary for recovery.
Celebrating 20 y ears Company Description
Ellwood Crankshaft & Machine Company (ECM), a division of Ellwood Group Incorporated, celebrates 20 years of machining and finishing exceptionally large compressor and diesel engine crankshafts, generator and rotor shafts for electric motors and power generation equipment. Spun off from Ellwood City Forge in 1992, ECM is one of nine operating business units that form Ellwood Group Incorporated (EGI), a family owned and vertically integrated steel making, forging and finishing conglomerate. Along with Ellwood National Crankshaft (Irvine, Pennsylvania), Ellwood National Crankshaft Cleveland (Cleveland, Ohio) Brian Taylor and Ellwood National Crankshaft President Services (Hermitage, Pennsylvania), ECM is one of the four world-class facilities that comprise the Ellwood Crankshaft Group led by president, Brian Taylor. Boastfully, the Ellwood Crankshaft Group is the world’s largest manufacturer of new and reconditioned industrial crankshafts. Fostering a culture of independent thinking, innovative creativity and healthy well-being, ECM has been recognized by the American Heart Association the last five years as a FitFriendly Company promoting a wellness culture by providing support to employees and implementing physical, nutritional and cultural changes. Additionally, they were just presented with the coveted Occupational Safety & Health Administration recognition as a Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star Worksite for the outstanding and exemplary occupational safety and health status performance of its leadership and employees. Notably, the parent company, EGI recently celebrated 100 years in the steel industry. Headquartered in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, the company was founded in 1910 and is currently led by fourth generation family member, David Barensfeld as the chief
executive officer. The nine divisions encompass multiple plants in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, Texas and Canada. Collectively, the Ellwood Group Family is dedicated to solving customers’ needs for specially engineered forging steels, iron castings, forgings, and other alloy parts. Ellwood Group’s private status permits them to operate independently of short-term financial perspectives, while acting to maximize long-term values of product quality and customer service. This long-term orientation has, for decades, made the Ellwood Group a preferred workplace for employees.
Markets & Industries Served
Ellwood Crankshaft & Machine Company is based in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, serving markets globally that include locomotive, marine, stationery power, reciprocating pumps and compressors, and mechanical and power generation. Key industries served include mining, marine, power generation, railroad, and oil and gas. The strategically diversified market and industry mix has served ECM well through the recent economic downturn.
The Future
Technological and marketing changes continue to reshape the steel industry. As a result, companies like Ellwood Crankshaft & Machine cannot afford to rest on the accomplishments of the past. Instead, they must stay focused on the future. To that end, Ellwood Crankshaft & Machine will continue looking for growth opportunities that make strategic and economic sense.
2727 Freedland Road Hermitage, PA 16148 Phone: 724/347-0250 or 800/247-1326 Fax: 724/347-0254 Website: www.ellwoodcrankshaftgroup.com January 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 17
A commemorative 25-year emblem dedicated to RCC cancer survivors was developed with a mosaic of photos taken at the Center’s June 2011 “Celebration of Life” event.
Celebrating 25 y ears 25 Years of Hope, Close to Home
The doors to The Regional Cancer Center (RCC) first opened in 1987 to bring the delivery of oncology and hematology care to a comfortable and convenient outpatient setting in the Erie community. Cancer care has changed significantly in 25 years. Three building additions have helped to keep pace with increasing demand for outpatient care and new treatment options. The latest equipment for radiation planning and treatment keeps coming. The explosion of drug therapy opportunities for patients has been embraced. Ancillary services have been added to improve patient comfort and safety. A once fledgling research program is now robust. In both size and scope, the RCC is one of the largest comprehensive community cancer centers in the country — many in the community are surprised to hear that an average of 300 unique patients receive services at RCC every day. John Girard Executive Director
There is a lot of success to celebrate in cancer care today. It’s also about leaving a legacy. The treatments that survivors received in years past have provided clinical information to scientists about which challenges to tackle and new thoughts about how to tackle them — all with the hope of discovering a more effective treatment with fewer side effects.
18 < www.mbabizmag.com < January 2012
The theme for the RCC’s anniversary year is “The Celebration of Hope” and features the annual “Celebration of Life” event for cancer survivors and the “Show of Hope” fund-raising event. The RCC is committed to making 2012 the year to give back to the community with educational opportunities, a spa day for patients and special community service and cancer awareness activities. The anniversary celebration also honors founding physicians, Drs. M. Peter Scibetta, William Brereton and Jay Jenkins, and the collaboration of the past and present hospital administrators and board members from Saint Vincent and UPMC Hamot who focused on providing state-of-the-art, affordable care to the Erie and surrounding communities. Hope close to home for cancer patients continues with the overwhelming support of the RCC Board of Directors that renews and validates the vision at each board meeting, always voting, “yea,” to what is best for the patients the Center serves. The RCC’s 25-year survivors tell a much different story about their past treatment experiences than those under treatment today. The Center’s goal is to continue this pattern into the future.
2500 West 12th Street Erie, PA 16505 Phone: 814/838-9000 or 800/477-6647 Website: trcc.org
Celebrating 50 y ears Woodward, Inc. Woodward, Inc. is a job shop metal fabricator located in Mars, Pennsylvania. With its division Mars Mineral, the organization has extensive experience in producing custom metal fabrications and pelletizing equipment, expertise and systems. These two areas of knowledge form the foundation for future growth. Woodward, Inc., founded June 1962, is a second-generation organization that has supplied custom metal fabrications to numerous industries in the tri-state region. These industries include steel and aluminum production, water purificaPresident tion, cement production, aggregate minClayton Woodward ing, food processing and power generaand Vice President tion, to name a few. Projects range from Earll R. Woodward III producing fabrications in accordance with a customer’s specification to design build and reverse engineering. This manufacturing engineering expertise is what sets us apart from most fabricators. With the ability to work with both ferrous and non-ferrous materials, there is no project that is beyond Woodward’s capabilities. Mars Mineral Mars Mineral, founded in 1972, and purchased by Woodward, Inc. in 1994, provides pelletizing equipment, systems and knowledge to a variety of markets. Pelletizing is the process where dust or fines of any material is combined with a binder to produce a spherical pellet of various diameters. This form of agglomeration reduces the volume of material through consolidation, improves the material-handling characteristics, and minimizes the airborne contamination issue. Mars Mineral’s proven pelletizing technology is an established solution for both managing solid waste streams (dust/
fines) and producing new products for customers around the world. Some of the household products produced on our equipment include Kitty Litter and pelletized limestone for lawn application. Manufacturing Excellence Together the Woodward, Inc./Mars Mineral facility consists of offices and approximately 45,000 square feet of manufacturing space. The company’s equipment includes a 200 and 500 Ton press brake, multiple plate rolls with the largest capable of rolling three-quarter-inch-thick by 12-feet-wide plates and a 400 amp plasma cutting system. All the equipment is serviced by overhead gantry type cranes with maximum lifting capacity of 30 tons. The strength of Woodward/Mars Mineral can be found in both the personnel of the organization and the investment in new technology. Woodward’s work force includes engineers, experienced fabricators and a supportive staff. These skilled individuals are constantly adapting to the ever-changing marketplace. Implementation of automation is an ongoing process. Working together, Woodward and Mars Mineral are positively positioned to grow another 50 years.
128 Myoma Rd. P.O. Box 812 Mars, PA 16046 Phone: 724/538-3110 Fax: 724/538-5078 Website: www.woodwardinc.com January 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 19
Celebrating 55 y ears What is Rigging?
When people buy a home, they often hire a moving company to transport their belongings. In similar fashion, when industries move from one location to another, or buy a new piece of machinery, they hire movers called “riggers.” In both cases, valuable items are being handled, transported, and gently set in place by trained professionals. For more than 50 years, Rog’s, Inc. has been in the rigging business, helping industry and contractors with their moving needs. Whether it’s setting rooftop air-conditioning units at a shopping Gaven Hedderick mall, or transporting and delivering President and CEO machines weighing tens of thousands of pounds, Rog’s, Inc. is the area’s premier rigging and crane service. They have the equipment and the manpower to handle almost any job with the utmost care. Rog’s motto is: “We lift things up and we place them down.”
Company Profile
Rog’s, Inc. is the all-American success story of a young entrepreneur who followed his dreams. In 1957, Roger “Rog” Hedderick left his welding job at General Electric and launched his own company, Rog’s Welding. He built a solid reputation among Erie’s industrial community by offering prompt service at a reasonable price. As his clientele grew, so did the diversity of their needs, prompting a change in the company’s direction. Rog’s Welding soon became more about rigging and crane service, and less about welding and fabrication. In the 1960’s Rog’s was on its way to becoming the largest and most fully equipped rigging company in our tri-state
20 < www.mbabizmag.com < January 2012
area, and by the 1980’s, the name was changed to Rog’s, Inc. In 2006, Rog retired, and his son, Gaven Hedderick, became president and CEO. Sadly, Rog passed away in 2009, but his namesake lives on.
Equipment and Resources
Today, Rog’s, Inc. has a fleet of forklifts, including narrow profile Versa-Lifts (25,000 to 35,000-pound and 40,000 to 60,000-pound capacity), as well as its 80,000-pound workhorse, the Rigger Special. The company offers crane service up to 100-tons, as well as air-ride tractors and trailers, straight trucks and tilt-beds. Rog’s facility at 18th and Parade Streets occupies an entire city block, storing industrial machinery, as well as cars, boats, and motor homes. Among its 12 warehouses is Rog’s 30,000-square-foot Machinery Distribution Center, where new machines are received for future delivery, and older machines are stored for future sale, all within the protection of its secure building. Machines are loaded and unloaded “inside” the building — out of the elements. Shipping machines directly to Rog’s relieves the customer of the stress of coordinating trucker and rigger, allowing the company to schedule deliveries at the customer’s convenience.
327 East 18th Street Erie, PA 16503 Phone: 814/453-6781 Fax: 814/453-5078 Website: www.rogsinc.com
® An example of the Flotation Systems to be built at Eriez’ new Wager Road facility in Erie.
Celebrating 70 y ears Eriez® Enters Its 70th Year With Much to Celebrate
2012 marks Eriez’ 70th year in business. To say the company has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1942 in the founding family’s basement in Erie, Pennsylvania, would be an understatement. Through innovation, organization and diversification, Eriez has evolved into a technologically advanced, financially sound, international company with manufacturing facilities in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Europe, India, Japan, Mexico and South Africa, as well as its Erie headquarters. Eriez has sales offices across the United States and some 80 international Tim Shuttleworth markets on six continents. President and CEO
2011 brought major expansions to Eriez in northwestern Pennsylvania and across the globe. Eriez purchased a 114,000-square-foot building approximately 15 miles from its Asbury Road headquarters. The new building, located on Wager Road in Erie, will house the company’s 5-Star Service® Center and handle manufacturing of Eriez’ largest and hottest-selling equipment, including Recycling Systems, Column Flotation Cells and Hydroflow® Fluid Filtration and Recycling Equipment. Renovations are under way and Eriez plans to be fully operational by mid-year. In 2012, Eriez Flotation Division (EFD), headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, will be moving from its current location to a larger building nearby. The brand new building is being custom built to suit EFD’s needs and will allow Eriez to build its larger proprietary equipment in-house, rather than utilize sub-contractors. EFD equipment offerings include flotation columns for minerals and liquids, StackCell® High Efficiency Mechanical Flotation Cells, Hydrofloat® Coarse
Particle Flotation Cells, Gas Injection Systems and Minerals Processing Test Equipment. Eriez-China has added another manufacturing operation in Tianjin to supplement its Qinhuangdao plant. The new facility in Tianjin gives Eriez-China an additional 117,000 square feet, including 18,000 square feet of office space. The plant is now up and running, and nearly at full production. Eriez-India is moving to a new factory facility located on Vanagaram-Ambattur Road, near Ambattur industrial estate in Chennai, one of the largest industrial estates in Asia. This facility has two 25,600-square-foot factory buildings with an array of sophisticated cranes, welding and rolling machines — and more. The facility also has an office/lab building measuring 8,700 square feet. All are under construction now and Eriez-India is planning to transition to this facility in September. “While other companies are struggling, Eriez is thriving,” says Eriez President and CEO Tim Shuttleworth. “As we enter our 70th year in business, we believe that it’s more important than ever for us to continue to offer the innovative products and world-class support that has helped us grow into the company we are today.”
®
2200 Asbury Road Erie, PA 16506 Phone: 814/836-6000 Website: www.eriez.com January 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 21
Celebrating 70 y ears History
At the end of WWII, there was a growing need to modernize and expand the nation’s warehousing capabilities. Entrepreneurial business people began to develop innovative storage rack designs to fill those needs. Company after company was springing up, headed by owners who carved out a market share by providing a high level of personal service. In recent decades, however, most of those early family owned companies have been replaced by holding companies, investment bankers or corporate raiders. Virtually no companies like Ridg-U-Rak still exist. Ridg-U-Rak was a minor player in those early years. Although limited in marketing vision and hampered by a lack of manufacturing automation, Ridg-U-Rak had some John B. Pellegrino Sr., P.E. President and CEO survival strengths that helped the company to continue to grow. Today, as the operation celebrates its 70th year of serving the storage rack market, Ridg-URak is commonly acknowledged as a company built on Integrity and Service, guided by the able leadership of its president and CEO, John B. Pellegrino.
Capabilities
Ridg-U-Rak now has two plants in North East, Pennsylvania, covering 160,000 square feet, with a production capacity of more than 100,000,000 pounds of finished steel products per week. It remains one of the largest storage rack manufacturers in North America and is still a family owned business. One of the key contributors to the company’s success has been the increased talent base of its staff, with the ability to completely manage large projects from design and code compliance, through manufacturing, to final installation and customer approval. Major capital investments in its manufacturing plants have been instrumental in improved productivity. Recent investments include the latest rolling mill equipment, a total shop layout re-vamping, an automated beam manufacturing line, and a 600-foot-long state-of22 < www.mbabizmag.com < January 2012
the-art powder coating line, which not only improves product quality, but also the company’s environmental imprint by reducing its liquid paint usage. From recycling programs to major transformations in manufacturing processes, the corporate philosophy includes doing what is necessary to meet 21st century sustainability expectations.
Products
Ridg-U-Rak provides an unlimited array of storage options. Whether deep and dense storage systems like Push-Back, Drive-In, and Pick Modules, or Narrow-Aisle and Deep-Reach systems, design engineers can layout storage arrangements to meet a customer’s unique load, throughput and capacity requirements. Ridg-U-Rak also provides small storage systems for pallet loads or hand-stacked cartons, and offers replacement parts that interchange with competitive racks. Many specialty storage options are available, including a rack-supported crane system to store large dies and tools.
Seismic Base Isolation System
Warehouse storage racks have proven to be particularly vulnerable to earthquake damage, and new FEMA guidelines mandate rack structure integrity during a moderate to severe earthquake. Ridg-U-Rak took a quantum leap in the design of storage racks for earthquake-prone areas when it developed and patented the Seismic Base Isolation System, a design that will resist rack damage and product spillage through the most powerful anticipated earthquake that the country will ever experience. Because of this innovated work, Ridg-U-Rak received the Excellence for Innovation award by the
120 South Lake Street North East, PA 16428 Phone: 814/725-8751 or 866/479-7225 Website: www.ridgurak.com
Celebrating 80 y ears Buying, Hauling and Processing Erie's Scrap Metal Since 1932 What has become an integral part of society in 2012 was a dream of some very industrious and intuitive people a century ago – metal recycling. From Aluminum to Zirconium, today’s scrap metal industry helps fill the world’s supply of metal. In 2010, the annual recycling of scrap metal in the United States alone exceeded 100 million tons. Recycling has become a multi-purpose necessity. It provides the following: • Energy Conservation – It costs significantly less to reuse scrap than virgin metals • Conserving Natural Resources – Reuse • Conserves Landfill Space • Reduces Mining and the environmental damage associated with it • Reduces Greenhouse Emissions • Reduces Pollution • Creates New Jobs and income for those that recycle Since 1932, Liberty Iron & Metal LLC has been processing metal scrap from individuals, industry and municipalities and preparing it for melt shops in literally every facet of the metal industry. The company has been at the forefront of technological change in the scrap processing industry. From operating the only automobile shredder in the area, to the production of a variety of products that significantly
enhance the operations of both producers and consumers of scrap, Liberty has been a leader in value added to its customers. Today, Liberty has made a substantial investment in its Erie facility, installing the latest technology in its automobile shredding operation. This ongoing project with Eriez® takes automobile shredding to a new dimension. Liberty now will be producing a shredded product that exceeds current industry standards and will have vast market implications. This latest investment also is a statement from the company that Erie will be a vital segment of the Liberty group for years to come. For information regarding scrap programs for your industry or organization, call General Manager Barry Rider
at 814/452-4549.
1431 East Avenue P.O. Box 1391 Erie, PA 16512 Phone: 814/452-4549 or 800/836-0259 Website: www.libertyiron.com January 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 23
A Celebration of Entre E N T R E P R E N E U R S A R E T H E B AC K B O N E O F T H I S CO U N T RY - B R AV E I N D I V I D UA L S W H O
TO O K A C H A N C E BY D E V E LO P I N G A P R O D U C T O R S E R V I C E, C R E AT I N G J O B S A N D D R I V I N G E CO N O M I C G R O W T H I N CO M M U N I T I E S L A R G E A N D S M A L L . T H E Y I N V E S T T H E M S E LV E S CO M P L E T E LY I N T H E I R B U S I N E S S E S W O R K I N G CO U N T L E S S H O U R S O N E VERY ASPEC T OF THEIR ENTERPRISE. AS A SIGN OF APPRECIATION, THE MANUFAC TURER & B U S I N E S S A S S O C I AT I O N I S P L E A S E D TO R E CO G N I Z E T H O S E M E M B E R CO M PA N I E S C E L E B R AT I N G M I L E S TO N E A N N I V E R S A R I E S I N 2012. CO N G R AT U L AT I O N S !
140 YEARS...Erie Forge and Steel Inc., Straub Brewery, Inc. 130 YEARS...The Derrick Publishing Company, Erie Club 120 YEARS...Taylor Roofing Company, WPA Ministries 110 YEARS...Ford Customer Service Division, Hermance Machine Company, Lamar Advertising of Penn, LLC, United Refining Company of Pa., W. H. Motsch & Son, Inc. 100 YEARS...Erie Strayer Company, Fairview Evergreen Nurseries Inc., Lakeview Forge Co., Wise Machine Company Inc. 90 YEARS...Clearfield Wholesale Paper Co., Inc., Cochranton Co-Operative Association, E.L. Heard & Son, Inc., Lloyd-Smith Company Inc., Trumbull Industries 80 YEARS...A. Duchini Inc., ASKO Inc., Clearfield EMS, Inc., Desmond Electric Company, Gardinier Funeral Home, Green Prosthetics & Orthotics, LLC, Liberty Iron & Metal Company Inc., Meadow Brook Dairy, Moffatt’s Floral Shop, Rexam Plastics, The Hartman Group, W. H. Fitzgerald Inc., Walsh Equipment, Inc., Zippo Manufacturing Co. 75 YEARS...Anderson Coach & Travel, Beaver Meadow Creamery, Central Electric Cooperative Inc., Fessler Machine Company, Mcfate, Mcfate & Mcfate, Waddell & Reed Financial Services 70 YEARS...Eriez Manufacturing Company, Pittsburgh Plug & Products Corporation, Ridg-U-Rak Inc., Thomas Suddarth & Son, Wood-Mode Incorporated 60 YEARS...Allegheny Valve & Coupling Inc., Bradigan’s Inc., Briar Hill Rustic Furniture, Camboro Veterinary Hospital, Cardinal Industrial Finishes, Dohler Farms & Cottages, Dotterer Equipment Inc., Elder Sales Service, Inc., Ernest, LLC, Formtech Enterprises Inc., International Waxes, J. J. Agnello Heating & Air Conditioning, James B. Schwab Company Inc., McCandless Auto Service, McQuillen Chev Buick Pon24 < www.mbabizmag.com < January 2012
tiac GMC Truck, Molded Fiber Glass Tray Co., Orchard Creek Veterinary Hospital, Perry Screw Machine Company, Inc., Q-E Manufacturing Co. Inc., R. R. McLane Landscape, Inc., Symmco Inc., Tucker Dental Excellence, LLC, Weather Control Co. Inc., Woodings Industrial Corporation 50 YEARS...Aamco Transmission/Cottman Transmission, Alley Aids, Blackman Electric Inc., Butler Area Sewer Authority, C & J Industries Inc., Erich Rental Inc., Erie Industrial Trucks, Inc., Farnsworth Camping Center, Hewlett Manufacturing, Jackburn Mfg., Inc., Lawn & Garden Center Inc., Pine Instrument Company, Pizza Villa, Inc., Professional Communications, Inc., Roseto-Suter Overhead Door Inc., Sackett’s Service, Teaco Inc., Tool-All, Inc., Wagner Foreign Auto Parts, William A. Power Meat Company Inc., Woodward Inc. 40 YEARS...Allen Farms, Allshouse Appliance, Inc., Asel Enterprises, Inc., Atlantic Development Corp. of PA, BAC, Inc., Bertram Tool & Machine Company Inc., Bish Farm, Bollinger Enterprises Inc., Carl R. Smith, Inc., Charles L. Bauer, Clinton County Solid Waste Authority, Coldwell Banker Select, Realtors, Community Care Connections, Inc., Costa’s Food Center, Inc., Custom Electronic Assemblies Co. Inc., Custom Tool & Design Inc., Dave’s Welding Shop Inc., Dermatology Associates of Erie, E. A. Winslow & Associates Inc., Ettingers Landscaping, F.R. Bradley Enterprises Inc., Franklin Animal Clinic, Fultz Enterprises, G.G. Greene Enterprises, Inc., Gerard R. Sorg, Attorney at Law, Hydro-Pac Inc., Jet Tool Company Inc., John Fries Auto Sales, Inc., John W. Schaefer Builders, Inc., Kindle Heating & Cooling, Mason Farms LLC, Matrix Tool, Inc., Mattocks Five Inc., McLaughlin Appliance Service, Means Inc., Medical Group of Corry, Inc., New Motors Inc., Northwest PA Weatherization Inc., P. J. Reilly Co. Inc., Pasco Tool & Plastics, Inc., Paul Chernichky Electric, Petrex Inc., Plaza Dental Associates, P.C., R. Conrader Company, Robert A. Santora, M.D., P.C., Robert Mazza Inc., Robison Painting Co., Safe Harbor Behavioral Health, Sharon Packing Company Inc., Shirey Overhead Doors Inc., Snyder & Dugan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Stephen Cenedella, M.D., Steptoe & Johnson PLLC, Suburban Tool & Die Co. Inc., Supply Technologies, TCA Material Damage Appraisal, Tom Buie Excavating, Twins Restaurant, Villa Medical Supply, VPI Acquisition Corp., Wakley Escort Inc., West Side
repreneurship Distributing Co., William Benedict, Electrical Contractor, William D. Elkin Funeral Home
30 YEARS...A.G. Endicott Sales Inc., Assessment Evaluation, Inc., A-X Heat Transfer, Div of Select Ind Inc, B.Z. Motors Chrysler Inc.,Bail USA Inc., Baker Animal Hospital, PC, Bates Collision, Blanco Trucking, Boyer RV Center Inc., Camsco Service Inc., Chest Diseases of Northwest Pa., Clearfield Alliance Christian School, Clifford’s Carpets and Waterbeds, Computer Power Solutions of PA Inc., Conneaut Cellars Winery, LLC, Corry Metal Products Inc., Custom Services & Equipment, LLC., David & Audry Frydrych, Inc., Dennis Trailers Inc., Diesel Injection & Parts of I-80,Inc., Digestive Health Specialists Inc., Edward D. Osborne DMD, Erie Mill and Press Company, Inc., Erie Molded Plastics Inc., Erie Petroleum, Inc., Franklin Pathology Associates, Inc., Freidi Corp., GeorgeKo Industries, Gregory A. Griffith O.D., Gregory A. Henry, Attorney at Law, GV Trucking Inc., Heatron Inc., Hickory Lane Hardwoods, James Properties Inc., Jefferson Paving Corporation, Jon Lewis Contracting, Jones Plumbing & Heating, Inc., Kersey & Associates PC, Kunes Used Car Sales & Service, Larry M. Kozik, Law Offices of Carmen F. Lamancusa, P.C., LCM Associates, Inc., M. Javed Akhtar, M.D., F.A.C.S., Mathies and Sons, Inc., Millers Appliance Furniture TV & Floor, Nittany Coatings, Inc., P.B.S. Mental Health Associates, P.C., RAK Computer Associates Inc., Ram Tool Co. Inc., Rearick Tooling, Inc., Rice, Magill & Associates, Rick Weaver Buick GMC Inc., Ritchey, Cox, Hollis, Mock & Klein PC, Royprographics, Scully’s Pub Inc., Stuck Realty, Swift Auto Auction Inc., Tamburlin Brothers Coal Company, Inc., Tech Molded Plastics Inc., The Agresti Law Firm, Titusville Beverage Company, Tom’s Auto Service Inc., Tory Tool Inc., Town & Country Builders, White Cliff Market Inc., Wood and Bell, DMD, PC 25 YEARS...Advanced Polymer Technology Corporation, All Seasons Placement Inc., Animal Ark Pet Hospital, Ankle and Foot Care Inc., Avonia Tavern Inc., B. Forbes Excavating, Bay City Associates in Podiatry Inc., Bill Van Vleet Welding, Blue Ox Timber Resources, Bluewater Thermal Solution, Burns White, C & A Trees Unlimited Inc., C.J.E. Bingo Supplies, Caldwell Corporation, Charter Plastics, Inc., Chittester Excavating, CIRR Inc., Clearfield Equipment, Inc., Communications Center Inc., Contemporary Landscape Designs, Corry Laser Technology Inc., Critter Corner, Crockett Financial Services, David Fichena Company, DuBois Motorcycles Plus Inc., Dunbar Asphalt Products, Inc., Dunnmorr Studio, E.G. Emil & Son Inc., EaCo Chem Inc., Edinboro Hardwoods, Elk County Heat Treaters, Inc., Erie Coke Corporation, Erie Specialty Products Inc., Fairview Service Center Inc., Faivre Machine & Fabrication Inc., Frontier Industrial Technology Inc., Gindy’s Tire Warehouse Inc., Hoover Oilfield Supply, J & S Grinding Company, Inc., James A. Hissom, D.D.S. P.C., Jerald B. Hatch Plumbing & Heating, Jim Judson Auto Body, John E. Ehrman’s Allburn Florist, Johnson Line Construction, Klapec Auto Body Inc., Kline Enterprises, KML Industrial Supply Inc., Lakes Pipe & Supply Corp., LTS Sales, Inc., M K Landscape Supply, M. M. Prasad, M.D., Mazany Contract Interiors, Moldex Tool & Design Corp., Morlin Inc., National Tool Grinding Inc., Neshannock Surgical Inc. P.C., Newco Electric Company, Inc., North Coast Tool, Inc., PDQ Well Service, Penn Suburban Abstract LLC, Peyton Machine Service, Powerplant Technologies Inc., Pro Chem Tech Int., Inc., Provident Wealth Management Inc., RSL Industrial Contracting Inc., Saint Vincent Surgery Center
of Erie, Seneca Medical Center, Sigma Instruments, Inc., SJM Unlimited, Inc., Specialty Products Inc., Spencer Mechanical Inc., Superior Adsorbents Inc., Swisher Concrete Products Inc., The Ophelia Project, The Regional Cancer Center, Thomas R. Bromeley, Tionesta Beverage Company, Uniconnect, L.C., W. E. S. Contracting, Washington Centre Physical Therapy, Weaver Master Builders Inc., Young Chiropractic Center Inc., Zewe Electric Inc. 20 YEARS...A. J. Grack Business Interiors Inc., Anderson Physical Therapy Etc. Inc., Atlee’s Heavy Equipment Rebuilding, B & T Enterprises, Baker Equip. for Athletics & Recreation, Barb’s Care-A-Lot, Bioptechs Inc., Bittel & Company, Cancilla Brothers, Inc., Chuck Gresh Construction Inc., Clarion Animal Hospital, Inc., Conner, Riley, Friedman & Weichler, Copeland Lumber, CPR Auto Center LLC, Creative Logistics Ltd., Crivelli Ford, Inc., David B. Lytle Products Inc., Dennison Law Offices P.C., Ellwood Crankshaft and Machine Company, Engel O’Neill Advertising, Environ. Coordination Serv. & Recycling, Erie Water Works, Forquer Group, French Creek Production, Full Circle Investments, Inc., Giant Eagle #623, Grit Commercial Printing Inc., Hagerty Precision Tool Inc., Hanak, Guido and Taladay, Impact MarketinSystems, Inc., JKS Finishes, Joe B’s Carpet Connection Inc., Jones Hardwoods Inc., Kern Refrigeration, Laurel Properties Inc., Lawrence County Eye Associates PC, Lawrence County Ortho. & Sports Med P.C., Lawrie Technology, Inc., Lisann Party Corporation, Magnet Applications Inc., Marlec Inc., McInnes Rolled Rings, McKissick Trucking, McNair Software Inc., Multi Media Stripping Inc., Northshore Neurosciences, Pediatric Ophthalmology of Erie Inc., Piney Creek Limited Partnership, Plylers At Your Service, Ronald K. Kampas, Orthodontist, Schaffner, Knight, Minnaugh & Co., P.C., Schmidt Technology Corp., Spa Dental Center P.C., Staab Brothers Roofing, Starlite Group, Inc., Stephen Dyne Excavation, TDR Management Corporation, Technical Precision Inc., The Highland House Inc., The Medicine Shoppe, Thomas K. Kaminsky DMD, Toby Food Group Inc., Tom’s Sales & Service, Tri-Med Rehab Supply, TTT Patton Inc., Ultra Precision Metal Finishing, Wear Else? Inc., Webb Communications Inc., Whitehead Tool & Design, Inc., William D. Morosky, D.M.D.
Anniversary information is based on member records as of October 2011. We regret any errors or omissions. Please contact the Manufacturer & Business Association with updated information for inclusion in future publications.
January 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 25
HR Q&A WE ARE ACQUIRING ANOTHER COMPANY. WHAT IS HR'S ROLE IN DUE DILIGENCE? Due diligence is an essential part of any merger and acquisition, and HR is typically involved in this process. Due diligence involves a detailed investigation of the company under consideration for merger or acquisition. The purpose of due diligence is to understand the risks that may be involved with the transaction. When investigating due diligence, HR should consider legal, cultural, and structural issues. Compliance issues include, but are not limited to: I-9 forms and visa regulations, FMLA, ERISA, potential WARN act implications, and pending claims related to OSHA, FLSA, etc. HR is also key to assessing differences in the organization’s culture, compensation and benefits plans, and HRIS systems.
ALERT: FEDERAL LABOR LAW POSTERS The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has postponed the effective date of its new rule mandating the workplace posting of an official Notice of Employee Rights under the National Labor Relations Act. The rule had been scheduled to go into effect on November 14. The rule will now be effective on January 31, 2012. The NLRB’s stated reason for the postponement is to “allow for enhanced education and outreach to employers, particularly those who operate small and medium sized businesses.” However, shortly after the Board issued its final rule on August 30, 2011, lawsuits challenging the authority of the Board to issue such rules were filed.
These lawsuits seek injunctive relief and are yet to be decided. With the uncertainty surrounding the Board’s authority to institute the posting, employers should defer compliance until January 31, 2012. The Manufacturer & Business Association will continue to keep you updated on this matter. In addition, in the event the NLRB proceeds with the posting requirement, the Association will update its allinclusive federal labor law poster to include the new NLRB posting. For more information about federal labor law postings, please contact the Association HR & Legal Services Division at 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660.
$4.5 MILLION SAVED! 2978 West 12th Street Erie, PA 16505 814/833-6510 To date, we’ve helped our members save more than $4.5 million in energy costs. On top of a challenging economy, businesses like yours have seen a substantial increase in energy costs as electric caps came off across Pennsylvania. Call us today at 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660, or visit www.eeapa.com for more information.
2501 West 12th Street Yorktown Plaza Erie, PA 16502
www.svecpa.com
Employers’ Energy Alliance of Pennsylvania, Inc. Blue Ocean Strategy Center
The Employers’ Energy Alliance of Pennsylvania is a subsidiary of the Manufacturer & Business Association.
26 < www.mbabizmag.com < January 2012
DEPARTMENTS > Contact: Stacey Bruce
Succession Planning Worth the Investment Leaders at one in five organizations are unprepared to deal with the sudden loss of their key executives, according to a 2010 online survey by the American Management Association’s Corporate Learning Solutions. Only 14 percent were said to be well prepared, while 61 percent were somewhat prepared. Organizations develop succession plans for a variety of reasons. Among them are: • to ensure there are people available to fill key positions at all times • to ensure ongoing business success and continuity • to transfer business knowledge and values • to prepare the future leadership of the company • to contribute to the longevity and success of the organization • to ensure an orderly transfer of power; and
• to provide a continuous pipeline of employee talent to meet the organization’s needs. Before you begin creating your succession plan, you must first lay the groundwork. You need to define exactly what it is you are trying to accomplish. Here are some questions to consider: • What are the company’s longterm goals? • Which positions are considered “mission critical” and must be filled at all times? • What key areas of the organization most require business continuity? • Who are the people that we can target for development? • Are we making use of all avenues for development (education, training, mentoring, job shadowing, cross-functional training, action learning,
leadership development programs)? • How often will we evaluate and update our succession plan? Regardless of your organization’s size, succession planning and succession management must command your attention. Contact me at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or sbruce@mbausa. org for additional information.
Stacey Bruce is a PHR-certified HR generalist and Human Resource supervisor at the Manufacturer & Business Association.
January 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 27
People Buzz LOCAL ARCHITECT COMPLETES NATIONAL LICENSURE EXAM R. Jason Wieczorek, an associate at Rectenwald Architects, Inc. in Erie, recently passed the seventh and final division of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), allowing him to be licensed in Pennsylvania. Developed by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, the ARE concentrates on those services that safeguard public health, safety and welfare, including site planning and design, building design and construction, structural systems and schematic design. A LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited professional, Wieczorek joined Rectenwald Architects in June 2005. He earned his bachelor of architecture degree from Kent State University, College of Architecture and Environmental Design. FIVE KNOX ATTORNEYS NAMED BEST LAWYERS Robert M. Bauer, Guy C. Fustine, Francis J. Klemensic, Harry K. Thomas and Thomas A. Tupitza, shareholders at Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. in Erie, were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2012. Robert M. Bauer was selected for Information Technology Law. He has been included in Best Lawyers for the past two years and is the founding editor of SciTech Lawyer. Bauer is chair of the Knox firm’s Intellectual Property & Technology Group. Guy C. Fustine was selected for both Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation – Bankruptcy. He has been included in Best Lawyers since 1993 and is among a distinguished group of attorneys who have been listed for more than 15 years. 28 < www.mbabizmag.com < January 2012
EDITORIAL > Contact: Karen Torres
Fustine is chair of the Knox firm’s Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights Group.
is focused on public finance, real estate, health law and nonprofit organizations.
Francis J. Klemensic was selected for Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants. He has successfully defended hospitals, physicians, dentists, podiatrists, rehabilitation facilities, therapists and psychiatrists in both state and federal courts throughout Pennsylvania. Klemensic is chair of the Litigation Group.
KIDDER WACHTER WELCOMES TWO NEW EMPLOYEES Kidder Wachter Architecture and Design in Erie, Pennsylvania recently welcomed two new employees – Dan Wallace, interior designer and project manager, and Amanda Jantzi, office manager and marketing director.
Harry K. Thomas was selected for Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers. He recently received the Irvin Stander Memorial Award for Professionalism from the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Workers’ Compensation section for outstanding work in the field. Thomas A. Tupitza was selected for Public Finance Law. A past president of the Pennsylvania Association of Bond Lawyers, he is active throughout Western Pennsylvania as bond counsel in tax-exempt financing transactions. His practice
Wallace received his bachelor of fine art degree from the University of Wisconsin and an associate’s degree in interior design from Art Institute of Pittsburgh. He has more than 20 years of experience working in interior design. Jantzi received her bachelor of science degree in marketing and management from Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. She has more than 10 years of experience in marketing, software information technology and administration. She previously worked as a computer instructor at the Manufacturer & Business Association and as a marketing coordinator with Cavanaugh Marketing Network.
TWO AREA PHYSICIANS NAMED OUTSTANDING RESIDENTS OF THE YEAR The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) recently named two area osteopathic physicians as Outstanding Residents of the Year. Joshua A. Tuck, D.O., and John L. Weippert, D.O., are two of only four osteopathic physicians in the nation chosen to receive the honor. Both are currently in Erie postdoctoral education programs at Millcreek Community Hospital (MCH). Joshua A. Tuck, D.O. is a fourth-year orthopedic surgery chief resident at MCH; John L. Weippert, D.O., is a Gastroenterology Fellowship candidate at MCH. The physicians received their awards during a special ceremony at Epcot World Showcase in Orlando during OMED 2011, the American Osteopathic Association annual conference.
CentralPA Link New Member Spotlight
In an effort to broaden the Association’s visibility and impact as the leading business resource for employers in the region, the MBA is introducing Central PA Link, a special section dedicated to issues and news in central Pennsylvania.
CERTIFIED SUPERVISORY SKILLS SERIES, SAFETY ROUNDTABLE SET FOR FEBRUARY Join us for the Association’s upcoming professional development classes or Safety Roundtable at the Manufacturer & Business Association Central Pennsylvania Division Conference Center, 2401 Reach Road, in Williamsport.
The Manufacturer & Business Association is pleased to welcome The Community Arts Center (CAC) as its newest member in the Central Pennsylvania Division. The CAC, located in the historic Capitol Theatre at 220 West 4th Street in downtown Williamsport, Pennsylvania, is a former movie palace that has become the showplace of arts in the region. The Williamsport-Lycoming Community Foundation, the City of Williamsport and Pennsylvania College of Technology restored the Arts Center in 1989. More than 1 million people have attended an event at the 2,100seat CAC since its grand opening in 1993. For more information, visit www.caclive.com.
Certified Supervisory Skills Series • Our highly interactive two-day Level I course on February 1 and 2 is designed to provide a foundation of sound management techniques for both new and experienced supervisors, with a special focus on the values of praise and recognition, proper discipline techniques and motivation through effective performance evaluations. • Our two-day Level II course on February 22 and 23 focuses on identifying a supervisor’s individual strengths as a leader and then using those strengths to set their employees up for success. Safety Roundtable Our next meeting on February 15 offers management-level quality and safety professionals an opportunity to discuss challenges unique to their profession, including issues specific to OSHA, DEP, DOT and more. Meets quarterly, 8 to 11 a.m. For more information or to register, visit www.mbausa.org.
This year, everything is new.
The all-new online BusinessMagazine
www.mbabizmag.com Manufacturer & Business Association
INFORMATIVE
SOCIAL
ON THE GO
January 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 29
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ERIE, PA PERMIT #199
Fewer sick days. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s it worth to U?
Introducing HealthyU from UPMC Health Plan. The plan that offers financial rewards for making healthy choices. We understand how much a healthy workforce is worth to you and your business. Productivity losses related to personal and family health problems cost U.S. employers $1,685 per employee per year, or $225.8 billion annually. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why we created a health plan that gives your employees real incentives for making smart and healthy lifestyle decisions. To learn more about this new, one-of-a-kind plan, contact your producer, visit UPMCHealthyU.com or call 1-877-563-0292.
upmchealthyu.com