Febr uar y2021
The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) continues to lobby for health-care reform on behalf of our members and their employees who are struggling with unsustainable group health insurance increases. We recognize this is a critical issue for many businesses across our state, and we believe the time to act is now! It is not fair that government restrictions limit access to quality, affordable health insurance coverage for companies with less than 50 employees. For those employers that want to continue to provide health insurance as a valued benefit to their employees and their families, we believe Association Health Plans (AHPs) are the most efficient approach to help thousands of small businesses save on their health insurance costs and lower the percentage of future increases. Right now, we are leading a coalition with like-minded organizations across Pennsylvania to make AHPs a reality. Through the leadership of Representative Valerie Gaydos and Senator Michele Brooks, we will be introducing bills in the House and Senate. In short, this legislation will allow small businesses the same advantages when buying group health insurance large businesses currently enjoy and could lower premiums significantly. If you would like to stay informed of our efforts and you believe AHPs may help your organization, please send us your company name, point of contact’s name and email address. We will share updates on vital calls to action — requiring just a click of a button — and legislators’ support, opposition and/or discussions on this important issue. For more information about AHPs, visit the Association’s website at www.mbausa.org, or contact Jezree Friend at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or jfriend@mbausa.org.
The MBA is here for you!
BUSINESS
VOL. XXXIV NO. 2 | FEBRUARY 2021
MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT Q&A:
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PLANS OFFER BIG BENEFITS IN 2021
PLUS:
PATIENT CARE TOWER OFFERS BEACON OF HOPE MBA RECOGNIZES FOR THE REGION AND THE ERIE COMMUNITY MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS
Independence. IT’S AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO.
At Lakeshore Community Services we are dedicated to providing support that helps those facing life with intellectual disabilities and persistent mental health issues live life to the fullest. No matter how difficult the challenge, LCS is committed to listening and seeking solutions that empower people to reach for their dreams and achieve their own independence. Would you consider a gift to the Lakeshore Annual Appeal: We See the Amazing in Everyone this year? Your gift will go directly to enhance the lives of the many people we serve. To read their stories or to donate please visit: Weseetheamazing.org
FEATURES FEATURE STORY | WHAT’S INSIDE
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Health in the Workplace Wellness and safety have become paramount for employers and employees in 2021.
COVER STORY | LOCAL PROFILE
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UPMC Hamot The completion of UPMC Hamot’s Patient Care Tower in Erie, Pennsylvania, is one of the region’s most highly anticipated building projects to date. It is the largest construction project in the hospital’s 140-year history and a major infusion in the ongoing revitalization and transformation of Erie’s downtown and bayfront area.
SPOTLIGHT Q&A | SUPPORT
DEPARTMENTS 12
BUSINESS BUZZ
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PEOPLE BUZZ
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HR CONNECTION
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HR Q&A
WHAT’S NEW
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EVENTS 17 NETWORKING AND MORE
See some of the MBA members that were recently presented plaques in recognition of their milestone anniversaries.
AWARDS AND PROMOTIONS READ ON THE GO! For the most current Business Magazine updates, visit mbabizmag.com
WORKPLACE TRENDS
GET ANSWERS
EDITORIAL LEGAL BRIEF | ASSETS
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Executive Editor Karen Torres ktorres@mbausa.org
Feature Photography Rob Frank R. Frank Media
Contributing Writers Rose Bruno Melissa Damico Jezree Friend Emilie Swan
Addtional Photography iStockphoto.com Design, Production & Printing Printing Concepts Inc. printcon@erie.net
Keith Eller, senior account manager at Workpartners, discusses the benefits of employee assistance programs (EAPs) and an exclusive discount now available to MBA members through a partnership between the Manufacturer & Business Association and Workpartners EAP services.
Estate planning in the digital world. Emilie Swan
ON THE HILL | POLICY
Advertising Sales Frank Mehler 814/833-3200 fmehler@mbausa.org
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David Thornburg 814/833-3200 dthornburg@mbausa.org
Moving forward: What to expect from the Biden administration on business policy. Jezree Friend
On the Cover: UUPMC Hamot’s new, $111 million Patient Care Tower in downtown Erie represents a portion of the approximately $420 million investment that UPMC has made in Hamot facilities since the health system and hospital merged in 2011. See page 4 for full story. 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 Headquarters: 2171 West 38th Street Erie, PA. 16508 Pittsburgh: 600 Cranberry Woods Drive, Suite 190 Cranberry Township, PA 16066 814/833-3200 |800/815-2660 | www.mbausa.org
© Copyright 2021 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.
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Health in the Workplace
FEATURE STORY | WHAT’S INSIDE
WELLNESS AND SAFETY PARAMOUNT FOR EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES Over the past year, employers’ and employees’ physical, mental and emotional well-being have been tested like never before, and many experts agree that efforts to maintain a safe and healthy environment will continue to be a priority for the foreseeable future.
According to Wellable’s 2021 Employee Wellness Industry Trends report, COVID-19 has accelerated workplace wellness trends. Findings show that mental health programs are seeing a rapid increase in adoption and investment as the pandemic is triggering and exacerbating mental health conditions. Specifically, the majority of employers are increasing their investment in mental health programs (88 percent), stress management and resilience (81 percent), and mindfulness and meditation (69 percent). Telemedicine programs experienced one of the most significant increases in popularity of all wellness benefits. Eighty-seven percent of employers plan to invest more this year — a full 25 percentage points higher than the previous year. Considering employers’ heightened awareness of health concerns, almost all (92 percent) of health insurance
brokers believe that the safety measures, sanitary practices, and social distancing guidelines companies established during COVID-19 will remain to some degree even after the pandemic has subsided. In this issue of the MBA Business Magazine, we’ll highlight some of the exciting programs and services available to employers and their employees. We’ll also provide an update on completion of the UPMC Hamot Patient Care Tower, the largest construction project in the hospital’s 140-year history and a beacon of hope and promise to critical care patients and their families in the region.
now available to MBA members through a partnership between the Manufacturer & Business Association and Workpartners EAP services. Plus, don’t miss our expert articles on how to address employee questions/ concerns about EAPs, and the importance of health screenings to boost your employee wellness and lower your health-care costs. For more information on how the Association can help answer your EAP, workplace wellness or COVID19-related questions, contact us at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or visit www.mbausa.org!
You’ll also want to read our Spotlight Q&A as we talk with Keith Eller of Workpartners about benefits of employee assistance programs (EAPs) and an exclusive discount
SET GOALS AND MAKE GAINS!
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COVER STORY | LOCAL PROFILE
Mark Raimy, chairman of UPMC Hamot’s Board of Directors and Manufacturer & Business Association Board of Governors, and UPMC Hamot President David Gibbons tour one of the nurses’ stations at the new, $111 million Patient Care Tower in Erie.
Patient Care Tower Offers Beacon of Hope For The Region and The Erie Community A purple light shines brightly on UPMC Hamot’s new, $111 million patient care tower in downtown Erie — a symbol of hope and promise for critically ill patients and their families. Soon, the new tower also will be illuminated with blue and green lights for 24 hours whenever a kidney transplant is performed at UPMC Hamot, the first and only transplant center of excellence in the region. “Those lights symbolize life and the color of CORE (the Center for Organ Recovery and Education),” explains UPMC Hamot President David Gibbons. “We use lighting as a beacon to share with the community and the region — a beacon of hope and life.” The completion of UPMC Hamot’s Patient Care Tower located at East 2nd and French Streets, which connects the main hospital and Magee-Womens, UPMC Hamot, has been one of the region’s most highly anticipated building projects to date. It is the largest construction project in the hospital’s 140-year history and a major infusion in the ongoing revitalization and transformation of Erie’s downtown and bayfront area. The tower also represents a portion of the approximately $420 million in investment that UPMC has made in Hamot facilities — and the growing need for critical care in Northwest Pennsylvania, Northeast Ohio and southwestern New York — since the health system and hospital merged in 2011.
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Today, UPMC Hamot is a sprawling health-care campus, housing medical professionals and specialists, as well as technologies and services that were previously unavailable within a 100-mile radius of Erie. The seven-story, 200,000-square-foot patient tower has two floors with 64 private beds dedicated to critical care patients. This increases the total ICU bed count by 22, and includes 32 medical ICU rooms, 16 cardiovascular ICU rooms and 16 trauma-neuro ICU rooms. The patient tower also features an expanded MRI suite that will house the 3 Tesla MRI, as well as enhanced infrastructure for water, power heating, cooling and ventilation, and additional floors for future growth. “Our Board was steadfast on the idea that we’re going to make an investment that’s going to take us decades into the future, so we needed to construct a facility that could accommodate that growth,” Gibbons explains. “Part of the analytics was looking at patient acuity and the severity of their critical care needs. We saw that continuing to increase and that’s why we are adding ICU beds.” Brian Iavarone, director of Facilities and Construction at UPMC Hamot, has been a part of the tower project since its inception in 2014 and construction began in 2018. He also oversaw many of the UPMC Hamot facility upgrades and construction projects, including Magee-Womens, UPMC Hamot and renovations at the main hospital. However, designing and building the patient care tower was truly unique. “The tower is the most complex project that’s ever been done here at UPMC Hamot from a technical standpoint,” says Iavarone. “You have to protect those who are the most vulnerable, so all the systems in the hospital — whether it’s fire protection or building controls, medical gases or emergency power — have to be coordinated and integrated into our existing utility plant. All of that took a lot of coordination with our existing facility managers, utility companies, the City of Erie, Erie Fire Department and Erie Water Works. It was truly a collaborative effort.”
surgery, neurosurgery, surgical oncology and women’s health subspecialties like urogynecology and gynecologic oncology. These specialties and providers continue to advance the level and variety of care offered locally. One of the most notable advancements is the care available to stroke patients. In 2018, UPMC Hamot earned its certification as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, the highest level of treatment for any type of stroke event, including the most severe cases. “Neurointervention services, comprehensive stroke designation are examples of Hamot’s clinical strategic plan. We work closely with our medical staff, and obviously, our board of directors to formulate,” says Gibbons. “The workforce is the most important part of this, and they’re committed to the patient experience.”
The UPMC Hamot Patient Care Tower project has been seven years in the making with two dedicated ICU floors and space for expanded diagnostic services, including the 3 Tesla MRI.
Among the project’s highlights: The hospital’s three ICU units are now located on the tower’s second and third floors, and a first floor features expanded diagnostics services with an MRI suite that will house the hospital’s 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit. This MRI technology operates at twice the normal strength of a traditional unit, offering shorter exam times and more sophisticated imaging for more accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment. The tower also features air isolation rooms and the ability to create negative air floors. This means an entire floor can be isolated from an outbreak, such as COVID-19, or similar-type event. “It protects the patients and the staff, and it’s these ideas that put us in a better position for the future,” Iavarone notes.
Ronaldo Sevilla Berrios, M.D., an intensive care specialist, understands the importance of these specialists and the new tower. It means that patients and their families no longer have to travel outside the region to get world-class, advanced critical care treatment. “The tower facility now matches the level of service that we’re providing,” he says. “That has a big impact for the professionals working at the bedside.” “For the families,” Dr. Sevilla Berrios continues, “the tower allows a more comfortable environment. We analyzed every single detail of how we can maximize the care for the patients but also the experience for the family.” Critical care patients are those suffering from life-threatening injuries like a stroke, heart attack, renal failure or those needing intensive care due to complications arising from diabetes, pneumonia or COVID-19. Yet, most people underestimate the importance of critical care until they need it. >
In fact, every detail of the tower has been carefully planned to better meet patients’ medical needs and enhance the delivery of care from UPMC Hamot’s highly skilled medical staff. Architects and designers worked with administrators to create 3D models, or virtual ICU rooms, for staff to tour and make recommendations. That input helped drive the final design in all aspects of ergonomics and patient care. Several UPMC Hamot staff members and physicians even toured a similar unit at UPMC East in Pittsburgh. This helped them incorporate new ideas into the patient rooms, hallway areas and storage units. For example, the new tower at UPMC Hamot provides for a dialysis hookup in every patient room, just as it is at the sister facility in Pittsburgh. In the hallway charting areas, there are windows looking into patient rooms (one on each side) that improve the line of sight for doctors and nurses while they are outside handling documentation. “Line of sight is very direct and well visualized, so they can see how the patients are breathing and monitor their readings,” says Gibbons. Each room also has privacy blinds along with sliding glass doors for access, ADA bathrooms, sleeper sofas and large windows with natural light to provide a more soothing environment for patients and their families at a critical time for care. “Our staff has been involved every step of the way,” says Gibbons.
Centers for Excellence
UPMC Hamot’s vision for patient care extends well beyond bricks and mortar. Patients will have round-the-clock access to boardcertified intensivists — vastly exceeding the national standard for excellence in intensive care. UPMC Hamot has been proactive in bringing additional specialists to Erie, including kidney transplant services, hepatobiliary (liver)
By the Numbers
UPMC Hamot’s Patient Care Tower is the largest construction project in size and scope in the hospital’s 140-year history. The $111 million tower features: • Seven stories and nearly 200,000 square feet of space • 64 private, intensive care patient rooms, including 32 medical ICU rooms, 16 cardiovascular ICU rooms and 16 trauma-neuro ICU rooms • Private consultation rooms • An MRI suite that is home to the 3 Tesla MRI machine • The construction project also enlisted local and regional designers and contractors, including: • Amthor Steel • EE Austin & Sons • William T. Spaeder • AW Farrell Roofing • Erie Contract Interiors • Builders Hardware • Associated Finish Systems • Renick Brothers – Slippery Rock, Pa • Urban Engineers, a subcontractor to Bostwick Design Partnership and also to Turner Construction To learn more about donation opportunities or more information about the patient tower, visit UPMCHamot.com.
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Every detail of the tower has been carefully planned to better meet patients’ medical needs and to enhance the delivery of care from UPMC Hamot’s highly skilled medical staff.
“The reality is that critical care is something you don’t immediately think about,” says Dr. Sevilla Berrios. “We provide the support needed if an emergency happens.” At UPMC Hamot, critical care is delivered by a team of professionals which includes not only doctors, but advanced practice providers, nurses, respiratory therapists, lab technicians, physical and occupational therapists, speech pathologists, social workers, pharmacists and nutritionists, just to name a few. “Every single day, at 8 in the morning, that large team gets together to discuss a collaborative, multi-disciplinary plan for each patient in critical care,” says Dr. Sevilla Berrios. “That is what makes our team a success.” Erin Kaschalk, BSN, RN, CCRN, is a charge nurse in the trauma/ neuro intensive care unit at UPMC Hamot and is excited about what this new facility and expanded services means for her team, patients and their families. Kaschalk says the tower gives them the space, resources and support they need. “All of us have raised the bar and are striving to keep care here in Erie and this investment in the new tower is really just supporting that mission of keeping patients here and bringing new techniques and new expertise here to the community,” she says. Looking to the Future UPMC Hamot has laid the foundation for major improvements in its facilities and clinical strategy. In addition, it has embraced a dedicated staffing strategy for the recruitment and retention of skilled employees.
throughout the local community. Bishop Dwane Brock’s Eagle’s Nest program helps inner city students develop job and professional skills that can lead to entry level positions in housekeeping, nutrition services and other support roles within the hospital. For the past five years, UPMC Hamot also has been actively involved in Project Search in partnership with the Millcreek Township School District, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, St. Michael’s Harbour, and the Erie County Office of Human Services. The program helps intellectually and emotionally challenged high school seniors gain employment in the health-care setting. Gibbons says the hospital is expanding its employee resource groups to include staff-lead work groups for people of color, LGBTQ, veterans and people with capabilities. The hospital has also made diversity and inclusion a bigger priority, creating dialogue between the hospital, its workforce and the community. “When our workforce and community are diverse, the leadership has to mirror what our community looks like,” says Gibbons. “That’s another commitment we’ve made.” Gibbons, who has led the hospital as president since 2017, is enthusiastic about what’s next for UPMC Hamot in the coming year. “There really are a lot of great things in our ongoing commitment to physician and staff recruitment, and the nursing program opening, the new patient tower and the COVID vaccine are just the start.”
In September 2020, the hospital announced the establishment of the UPMC Jameson School of Nursing at UPMC Hamot. The school is a partnership between UPMC Hamot, UPMC Jameson, the Hamot Health Foundation and Gannon University in downtown Erie. Through this program, students earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Gannon University and UPMC Hamot provides the students with the necessary clinical training. UPMC Hamot also will offer employment opportunities at the hospital and other area health-care facilities to graduating students. Most importantly, the expansion of the school of nursing to UPMC Hamot ensures that the hospital has a pool of nurses, which helps to address the nationwide nursing shortage. The first class of 50 students begins August 2021. “We know, looking toward the future, the challenges with recruitment, so we made the bold move to create our own school of nursing to ensure that we had a pipeline of nurses who will become a part of the UPMC Hamot family,” Gibbons explains. The hospital also has focused on workforce development and diversity programs to attract talent from area high schools
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Construction of the new, seven-story tower, the largest project in the hospital’s 140-year history, was a collaborative and complex effort including administrators, staff, architects, contractors, local utilities, the Erie Fire Department and City of Erie. The tower replaces the old Professional Building.
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Your People. Activated. Advocacy is at the heart of everything we do. We advocate for health. For personal empowerment. For positive change.Workpartners’ capabilities include employee assistance and wellness programs, award-winning advocacy, comprehensive absence services, robust data analytics, and simplified HR technology. For more than 20 years, Workpartners has helped employers of all sizes make the most of their workforce, creating vibrant workplaces where every individual can realize their physical and emotional health, be present more days of the week, and contribute more hours of the day. We call our unique approach to human capital management People Activation, and we believe it’s the key to ensuring that your company and your employees flourish. Find out more at workpartners.com
analytics | advocacy | absence | technology
SPOTLIGHT Q&A| SUPPORT
Employee Assistance Plans Offer Big Benefits in 2021 Employee benefits are an important part of any compensation package. Benefits help employees manage the cost of health care, plan for their financial future and attain a better quality of life. Here, Keith Eller, senior account manager at Workpartners, discusses the benefits of employee assistance programs (EAPs) and an exclusive discount now available to MBA members through a partnership between the Manufacturer & Business Association and Workpartners EAP services. Employee assistance programs (EAPs) have been around a long time, but they are now becoming a key employee benefit. Please explain what an EAP is and how it works? At its heart, an employee assistance program is a short-term counseling and referral program. Employers offer EAPs to their employees and their families to provide counseling and Work-Life services. By providing employees with this free resource, employees and their families can receive the care and support necessary to address their day-to-day stressors. Keeping employees healthy through use of this resource mitigates productivity issues and absenteeism. This common-sense conclusion is supported by research studies showing that for every dollar a company puts into an EAP, they get a return on their investment of $2 to $5. Recent studies show that workplace stress has been on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic began. How can an EAP assist employees and their employers through this difficult time? Understandably, the pandemic is a major source of stress for companies and their employees. Employees have had to shift to working from home. Companies have struggled financially so employees have been worried about losing their jobs, and many parents have had to manage their workload while also supporting their children doing virtual schooling at home.
Workpartners EAP has been very proactive in providing support to our customers’ leadership. We have provided information and trainings on critical challenges, such as managing children doing school at home to best-practice guidelines for bringing employees back to work safely. Our EAP counseling services help employees better manage these and other stressors caused by the pandemic. Workpartners EAP offers Work-Life services that include a free consultation with a lawyer for any legal concern or with a financial expert to address any money problem. We also do research to provide information on locally available adult care and child-care services. What are some of the most common reasons that someone uses an EAP? Employees use the EAP to address the whole range of personal and workplace stressors, such as relationship issues, anxiety and depression. They also use the EAP for grief and loss issues, and to help with substance abuse. Why should employers consider offering an EAP program to their employees? What are the benefits to them? A company’s most valuable resource is its employees. An EAP provides employees with counseling services that help them address the stressors that can arise in their day-today lives leading to increased productivity and engagement. Productive and engaged employees make any company the best that it can be which makes an EAP a strategic
partner in helping a company reach their business goals. Workpartners recently rolled out a new App to make it even easier for employees to access information and services. Tell us more. Workpartners has a new behavioral health app, RxWell. RxWell currently has three programs that deal with stress, depression and anxiety. Each clinically developed, evidence-based program guides you through techniques that help to address your stress, depression or anxiety. Workpartners and the MBA are partnering to provide Association members with an exclusive 10-percent discount off Workpartners EAP services. What’s the best way to learn more? This is a great value for any company or organization that doesn’t have an EAP or for any company that may not be completely satisfied with their current EAP services — especially in the midst of a global public health crisis when access to the strongest, clinically proven resources is more critical than ever before. For more information about our Workpartners EAP services, contact me at 814/504-0284 or ellerkd@workpartners.com.
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Smiles need a strong foundation. Delta Dental can help build yours. Delta Dental of Pennsylvania 800-471-7091 deltadentalins.com #131929
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LEGAL BRIEF | ASSETS
Estate Planning in the Digital World
given in a Will or Power of Attorney, now digital assets can be transferred through the same legal instruments. In your estate plan, you should begin by taking a careful inventory of your physical and digital assets and their estimated value. Some of these assets, such as personal photo albums, may not hold monetary value but instead hold personal value. Other assets, like an online brokerage account, may hold a great deal of monetary value. Be sure to include both. Every digital asset you have should be accounted for in your estate plan.
Emilie Swan is an associate at MacDonald, Illig in the Trusts and Estates, and Tax Planning and Representation Practice Groups. Her practice is focused on estate planning and administration, tax and succession planning, and real estate matters. In the age of COVID-19, it is more necessary than ever to be prepared. Focusing on the health of your estate plan is essential and requires careful consideration. Taking an inventory of all the physical possessions you will leave behind is a great first step. However, the digital age we live in requires considering much more than our tangible possessions when it comes to estate planning. When people think of “digital assets,” they may think of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. Digital currencies have been garnering media attention since their vast proliferation began in 2008. However, they are not the only digital assets one must consider. Digital assets may also include: 1) electronic
communications, such as business emails; 2) rewards programs and financial accounts, such as PayPal or Robinhood; 3) digital photographs, videos and other personal files; and, 4) copyrights and trademarks, all of which can be stored online or in the cloud. It is important to discuss the disposition of these digital assets with your attorney when drafting your estate plan in order for your heirs to be able to gain access to them. In July 2020, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed The Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (the “Act”). The Act governs the process of accessing a person’s online assets and generally provides that the powers provided to Personal Representatives, Trustees, Agents or other fiduciaries include the power to manage digital assets. The original creator of a given digital asset may consent to the disclosure of their digital content, which will override general termsof-service agreements that would typically prohibit access to such accounts and assets by others. Just as personal property can be transferred through instructions
The most overlooked digital aspect of your estate plan might be passwords. Until recently, standard legal documents, which appoint a Personal Representative upon the death of an individual, gave access to certain financial accounts without a password. However, this is no longer always the case. When it comes to digital currencies, having the private key that offers access to your account is crucial. A private key is unique and only given to the account holder. There are no backups. If you do not put that private key information into your estate plan, all of your digital currencies will be lost. You also will need to determine how you want the Personal Representative of your estate to handle the assets. Credit card rewards, for instance, may go to your spouse. Maybe you have an online business that you want your children to inherit and continue to operate or, perhaps, you have cryptocurrencies that you want to pass to your grandchildren. Make sure you are specific and discuss your final wishes at length with your attorney. When discussing your estate plan with your attorney, be sure to include your digital assets in the conversation and be as specific as possible. If you have any questions, please contact the Trusts & Estates Practice Group at MacDonald Illig at 814/870-7600 or email info@mijb.com.
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BUSINESS BUZZ | WHAT’S NEW ERIE PRESS SYSTEMS RECOGNIZED FOR 125-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) recently presented an anniversary plaque to ERIE Press Systems’ leadership team to recognize the company’s 125th year in business in 2020. ERIE Press is a globally recognized industry leader here in the northwest Pennsylvania manufacturing community. But today, as a result of its acquisition by Clevelandbased Park Ohio Corporation and its new affiliation with their well-known Ajax-CECO brands, the company is now the largest forging and forming equipment supplier based in North America. “We are a one-stop, full-service domestic resource for hydraulic and mechanical presses as well as sheet and extrusion stretch forming machines and other specialized machines,” noted Doug Currie of ERIE Press Systems in Erie, Pennsylvania. “We have not only strengthened our position within our traditional markets but continue to provide innovative, productive and reliable precision forging and forming machines for the aerospace, auto/truck, defense, off-road, primary metals and various other industries.” Today, the company offers a line of standard mechanical forge presses to 12,000 tons as well as hydraulic presses to 15,000 tons for a variety of applications including forging (closed die, open die and ring preforming), special metal forming, carbon extrusion, composite and hot
Pictured with Erie Press Systems’ 125th anniversary plaque are (from left): George Currie, executive vice president; Bill Godwin, vice president of Sales and Engineering; Clark King, president of ERIE Press Systems; and, Doug Currie, CEO (retired).
presses, and stretch forming machines, as well as support for a legacy line of forging hammers. “We manufacture, service and repair hydraulic and mechanical presses for companies around the globe from Asia to Europe, and across North and South America,” said Currie, who along with
his management team, has overseen ERIE Press Systems as a standalone entity. “We have built on 125 years of experience to deliver superior products and superior service.” For more information, visit www.eriepress.com.
ERIE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION DONATES $21K FOR FOOD ASSISTANCE
Erie Federal Credit Union (Erie FCU) recently announced that, due to the increased demand for food assistance caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it would be donating $21,000 to seven local food agencies and nonprofits. Erie FCU’s “Give Hope - Feed the Need”campaign earmarked $21,000 to be distributed to the seven Erie area organizations. Metro-Erie Meals on Wheels, The Salvation Army of Erie, Emmaus Soup Kitchen, Community of Caring, St. Martin’s Center, Erie Martin Luther King Center and Second Harvest Food Bank of NWPA will each receive a $3,000 check to be used for programs affiliated with supplying meals, nourishment and warm companionship to families and individuals who will be affected this winter. For more information, visit www.eriefcu.org.
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PEOPLE BUZZ | AWARDS AND PROMOTIONS ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES BLENNER’S 35TH YEAR OF SERVICE
The Manufacturer & Business recently recognized MBA Assistant Controller Bea Blenner for her 35th year of service at the MBA. Blenner is the first employee in Association history to mark this service milestone.
“Bea is a wonderful and trusted employee and a true friend and mentor to everyone here at the MBA,” said Association Presdent and CEO John Krahe. “We are honored by her continued service and dedication to our members and to making the MBA such a great place to work.”
15 KNOX LAW FIRM ATTORNEYS INCLUDED IN 2021 BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA® LIST
R. Perrin Baker, Bryan G. Baumann, Mark G. Claypool, Mark A. Denlinger, Neal R. Devlin, Michael A. Fetzner, Guy C. Fustine, Thomas C. Hoffman, II, Mark J. Kuhar, Carl N. Moore, Richard W. Perhacs, Timothy M. Sennett, Thomas A. Tupitza, Jerome C. Wegley and Timothy M. Zieziula, shareholders at Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C., were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2021 Best Lawyers in America® list. Mark G. Claypool, Mark A. Denlinger and Timothy M. Sennett are new to this year’s list. The practice areas for which each attorney was selected is as follows: R. Perrin Baker: Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law Bryan G. Baumann: Litigation - Construction Mark G. Claypool: Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (New to the 2021 list) Mark A. Denlinger: Health Care Law (New to the 2021 list) Neal R. Devlin: Commercial Litigation Michael A. Fetzner: Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers Guy C. Fustine: Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation - Bankruptcy Thomas C. Hoffman, II: Trusts and Estates Mark J. Kuhar: Employment Law – Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment
Carl N. Moore: Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers Richard W. Perhacs: Employment Law – Management and Labor Law – Management Timothy M. Sennett: Government Relations Practice (New to the 2021 list) Thomas A. Tupitza: Health Care Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Public Finance Law and Real Estate Law. He also was selected as a “Lawyer of the Year” for Land Use and Zoning Law in the Pittsburgh Metropolitan region. Only one lawyer is selected for each practice area in each region. Jerome C. Wegley: Trusts and Estates Timothy M. Zieziula: Real Estate Law In addition, Alexander K. Cox was included in the inaugural edition of the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for his work in Commercial Litigation and Intellectual Property Law.
Blenner, who is a graduate of the Erie Business Center, was hired as a secretary by thenExecutive Director Claudia Haller on January 6, 1986, when the Association was known as the Manufacturers Association of Erie. She quickly rose in the ranks with promotions to administrative assistant, office manager and manager of Administration, a position that included management of seven full- and part-time support staff members, Association accounting functions, accounts payable and payroll. By 1991, Blenner became manager of Finance, overseeing financial functions of the Association, and, in 1992, was named vice president. In June 1997, she became executive assistant, reporting directly to then-President Ralph Pontillo. She was responsible for managing the MBA’s Annual Meeting and attending Board meetings. In 2000, Blenner was named to her present role as assistant controller. “If you’ve ever met Bea, you know she is a consummate professional, a dedicated and loving wife and mother, and a passionate hockey fan,” said Krahe. “On behalf of myself, our staff, Board and members, I can truly say we are thankful that she is a member of our team.”
At Knox Law, Cox focuses his practice on litigating complex and commercial disputes in state and federal courts throughout the country. He has significant experience in a wide variety of subject matters, including contract, business, and intellectual property disputes, along with labor and employment litigation, administrative and regulatory matters, trusts and estate disputes, and appellate and constitutional law practice. He was named to Forbes magazine’s nationwide “30 Under 30” list for law and policy in 2012.
EVIDENT FINANCIAL NAMES
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HR CONNECTION | WORKPLACE TRENDS EMPLOYER HEALTH CENTERS EXPAND VIRTUAL CARE
With the onset of COVID-19, employees are turning to company-offered virtual health-care services, and giving these services high marks, according to a new survey, the 2020 Global Benefits Attitudes Survey, conducted by Willis Towers Watson. This year, 47 percent of survey respondents have used virtual care services — almost three times more than last year (17 percent). About 80 percent said that virtual case was as good as face-to-face consultations, with 25 percent saying it was even better. “Virtual care turned out to be just what the doctor ordered during the pandemic,” said Julie Stone, managing director, Health and Benefits, Willis Towers Watson. “Employers were quick to expand and educate employees on how to access virtual care, and employees — especially those who were hesitant to access traditional medical care — took advantage of it.”
Boost Employee Health, Lower Costs With Onsite Health Screenings
Virtual care was used for a variety of reasons including, regular screening and checkups. Additionally one in five have used virtual care for mental health care or treatment for a new illness.
When properly paired with a corporate wellness plan, research demonstrates that biometric screenings can help reduce health risks, improve health, reduce healthcare costs and improve workplace productivity and performance.
SURVEY SHOWS ONE-THIRD OF REMOTE WORKERS CONCERNED ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH
Thirty-three percent of people working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic are concerned about their mental health, according to the results of a survey conducted by health benefits provider Aetna International. The online survey of 4,011 employees and 1,007 employers in the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates also found that, since the onset of the pandemic: • Stress (32 percent) and weight gain (43 percent) are the top health concerns. • 84 percent of workers agree that their mental health is more important now than it was a year ago. • 61 percent of workers want to return to the office full time within six months, while 81 percent say they would return if they still can work remotely for part of the week “Forward-thinking organizations are leading with compassion and developing a corporate culture that puts well-being at its center, ensuring employees know what support is available to them, whether that’s locally, at home or in the palm of their hand,” researchers stated.
According to an article in Benefits Pro, The Willis Health and Productivity Survey Report shows that 74 percent of employers now include a biometric screening as part of their workplace wellness program and this number is likely to rise as more companies come to understand the value they can provide. Screenings Help Employees Know Their Numbers Learning a few numbers through a simple health screening tells your employees quite a bit. A biometric screening provides a baseline assessment of your employees’ health status regarding obesity, blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides. Screenings can help detect disease in its early and most treatable stages — even before symptoms occur — and provide a snapshot of a participant’s health that prompts them to take action. Onsite vs. Primary Care Provider-Based Health Screenings When it comes to health screenings, employers are faced with a choice: provide onsite screening services or send their employees to their primary care doctor or a lab. Onsite health screenings remove barriers for employee participation, such as lack of time and inconvenience. Screenings through alternative means, such as sending employees to their primary care provider, might be a good solution for employees that work remotely in several locations.
Melissa Damico is the manager of Client Services at the Manufacturer & Business Association. Contact her at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or mdamico@mbausa.org.
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HR Q&A | GET ANSWERS HOW MANY SESSIONS DO EAPS COVER? EAPs typically cover six counseling sessions. If you have an issue that may take longer to address, it is important to start with a counselor who can continue working with you until the issue is resolved — rather than begin with one counselor and then begin again with a long-term therapy provider when your sessions end. If your issue cannot be handled within the EAP, your counselor will make recommendations for resources that can assist you. WHAT ARE THE EAP COUNSELORS’ CREDENTIALS? When you decide to use your company’s EAP, you likely want to be sure that your counselor is well qualified. Luckily, EAPs typically require a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling, psychology or social work. They also need to be fully licensed as mental health professionals in the state (or states) that they are practicing in.
Tips for Addressing Employee Concerns About Employee Assistance Programs One of the biggest concerns employees have about using an employee assistance program (EAP) is confidentiality. It is important to note that EAPs are confidential, and the employer is not notified when an employee accesses their benefits. Regardless, some employees still fear that their employer will find out something the employee doesn’t want them to know. Reiterating the confidential nature of EAPs and the option for telephone and virtual consulting/counseling may help to alleviate some fear. There is also a stigma surrounding mental health and asking for help. Showing how common mental health issues are may aid in alleviating some of that stigma. There are many opportunities to do this virtually. Enlisting a local public figure to speak on the topic, regularly writing or sharing articles related to wellness, and hosting informational webinars in which participants can remain anonymous are all opportunities to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
Since EAPs cover a wide range of topics and types of issues, your company may offer counselors with additional certifications. Some practitioners will also be certified in substance abuse counseling, relationship therapy, yoga, meditation and so much more!
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE FIRST APPOINTMENT? When you arrive, you will be asked to sign a statement of understanding, to fill out a prescreen survey and a client intake form. These forms allow the counselor to gather important information and allow you the time to focus on the issues of most importance to you when you meet with your counselor. For more information about the Manufacturer & Business Association’s EAP partnership with Workpartners, see this month’s Spotlight Q&A on Page 9.
Get the Word Out An employer benefits from healthy, happy employees. It’s important to ensure that employees are aware of all the tools available to them to achieve or maintain their wellness. While a flyer at a new hire orientation is great, employers may consider these additional opportunities to explain their EAP: • Include an EAP section in the employee newsletter • Place newsletters from the EAP provider in breakrooms or other high-traffic areas • Post flyers in breakrooms or other high-traffic areas • Highlight the wide range of services offered • Create a resource area on the company intranet or public webpage • Provide employees with a magnet or business card with EAP contact information • Coach supervisors on how to refer an employee to the EAP • Remind employees that their privacy is protected Some EAP providers offer workplace training on various topics related to the services offered. Hosting sessions and encouraging employee attendance can help promote service offerings and maximize employee utilization.
Rose Bruno, PHR, SHRM-CP,
is an HR consultant at the Manufacturer & Business Association. Contact her at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or rbruno@mbausa.org.
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ON THE HILL | POLICY
The Biden Administration on Business Policy
What We Can Expect Moving Forward Jezree Friend is the senior government relations representative at the Manufacturer & Business Association. Contact him at 814/8333200, 800/815-2660 or jfriend@mbausa.org. With the split in the Senate at 50-50 and the vice president able to cast tiebreaking votes, the Biden administration now has a clearer path to enact its agenda. However, a push for such far-left leaning policies could lead to Democratic losses in the 2022 midterm elections, possibly giving control of both the House and Senate to Republicans. That is unless Senate moderates have anything to say about it. Here are a few things that are expected to make the most noise: Biden has been very vocal that he will work to repeal the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Specifically, I have been informed that the corporate income tax, which was lowered from 35 percent to 21 percent by TCJA, may be increased as high as 28 percent. Biden’s tax plan, which includes a $3.8-trillion increase over 10 years, will phase out the 20-percent pass through rate and will include increased payroll taxes. The increased taxes and spending will be needed for new federal programs.
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One such program is Biden’s federal paid leave plan. It calls for 12 weeks of paid leave for all workers to care for their newborns, newly adopted or fostered children, for their own or a family member’s serious health condition, or to care for injured service family members. When it comes to health care, Biden conveyed his interest in expanding the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Those who provide group health insurance for their employees understand all too well the group market has experienced price increases with almost every renewal since the ACA. The administration will look to expand government health care to limit private options. With attention from both the administration and the U.S. Supreme Court, we can expect significant changes in corporate health-care programs, especially in what employers must cover and their employees’ costs. Moderate senators will prevent an all-out Green New Deal, but Biden will work to promote energy policy more in line with the aspirations from progressive members of his party and Congress. To note, during a July 2019 debate, Biden was asked, “Would there be any place for fossil fuels, including coal and fracking, in a Biden administration?” He replied, “No, we would work it out. We would make sure it’s eliminated and no more subsidies for either one of those, either any fossil fuel.” This is an unfortunate warning sign for Pennsylvania, where
hundreds of thousands of jobs come from the energy sector. The perennial issue is whether there will be an increase in the minimum wage. Biden’s first campaign speech promised to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. Last July, House Democrats passed the Raise the Wage Act, which would have increased the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. The Senate declined to hold a vote citing research from the Congressional Budget Office, a nonpartisan branch of government, which found that raising the wage to $15 an hour by 2025 would cause 1.3 million workers to become unemployed. With the change in Senate leadership, this may be on the table and party moderates might not choose this to be their fight. Under the Biden administration, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) will likely withdraw the DOL’s independent contractor rule. The rule clarifies who qualifies as an “independent contractor” under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Moreover, the DOL may take steps to further expand the definition of who qualifies as an “employee” under federal law, making it harder for businesses to contract with independent contractors without fear of misclassification. Wrapping up our list will be a push for the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, which would significantly strengthen unions and new increased diversity training mandates.
EVENTS & EXTRAS | NETWORKING & MORE
The Manufacturer & Business Association is proud to recognize our members that are celebrating milestone anniversaries. To learn more about the benefits of MBA membership, as well as upcoming programs and services, visit www.mbausa.org.
Happy 40th anniversary to John Koller & Son (Fairview Swiss Cheese). The company, which is located in Fredonia, Pennsylvania, celebrated its fourth generation of cheese making in 2020.
ess y marked its 75th year in busin Sweet success! Jamesonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cand ed any has been making hand-craft in 2020. The family owned comp nia since 1945. sylva Penn e, Castl New in es chocolate candi
Actco Metrology Services recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2020. The Meadville, Pennsylvania company performs dimensional metrology for customers worldwide.
10th anniversar y g & Wire, LLC, which marked its Congratulations to Mercer Sprin extension wound compression, torsion and coldof rer factu manu The in 2020. nia. is based in Townville, Pennsylva springs, as well as wire forms, Vogt Heating and Cooling recen tly marked 10 years in business in 2020. The HVAC and plumbing company is located in Meadville, Pennsylva nia.
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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ERIE, PA PERMIT #199
Stick with what works. 96% of businesses that choose UPMC Health Plan stay with UPMC Health Plan. You’ve given a lot of thought to your employees’ health coverage. And you’ve come to a familiar conclusion — nothing’s better than UPMC Health Plan. Choose us for affordable plan options. Full in-network access to UPMC along with other doctors and hospitals in the community. Urgent care when you travel. Service from a designated Health Care Concierge. And health tools that keep up with busy lives and schedules. All this is worth sticking with, don’t you agree? To learn more, visit UPMCHealthPlan.com/employers. #stickwiththeplan