February 2022 Business Magazine by MBA Business Magazine

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APRIL 2022

Women in Leadership

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BUSINESS BUSINESS VOL. XXXIII NO. 4 | APRIL 2020

VOL. XXXIV NO. 4 | APRIL 2021

MAGAZINE

Gale Magyar, NHA, CASP CEO

Adrienne Dixon, Ph.D. President and CEO

IMPACT 2020 WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP: ERIE INSURANCE REPRESENTATIVE DISCUSSES IMPACT OF FOSTERING MOTIVATION, TEAM BUILDING AND TALENT

SPOTLIGHT Q&A:

STEPTOE & JOHNSON ATTORNEY ADDRESSES REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN LEGAL FIELD

WHAT’S INSIDE:

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM YOUR MBA

This month, we’re celebrating all the women who have an impact on today’s business world as well as the changing face of the workforce in regards to diversity, equity and inclusion. So be seen in April’s Women in Leadership issue of the Business Magazine and showcase your top talent, expertise. products and/or resources in this special issue!

MAGAZINE

CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF SARAH A. REED CHILDREN’S CENTER AND SENIOR LIVING FACILITY CARRY ON LEGACY OF CARING

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Company Profile

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North Star Mentoring Connects Youth With Positive Role Models Mary Winters wakes up every morning with a mission in mind — to match caring volunteers with youth in need of support. A longtime case manager with the Independent Living Program at Family Services of NW PA, Mary worked with young people who had spent time in foster care or other out of home placement. “My job was to help these youth build skills to become successful and live independently as they aged out of placement,” says Mary. She could see, however, for those lacking supportive relationships in their lives, focusing on skill building just wasn’t enough. When the program launched a new mentoring initiative nearly a year ago, Mary jumped at the chance to get involved as a Mentoring Specialist.

Includes: 500-650 words of copy, 2-3 high resolution photos, company logo and contact information

Mary works alongside fellow Mentoring Specialist Brenda Martin at Bethesda Lutheran Services. Mary and Brenda were instrumental in launching North Star Mentoring nearly a year ago, with support from the Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania. “They helped us create policies and procedures, offered technical support, and provided us with tools to effectively train

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new mentors,” says Brenda. “They really helped us to create the framework for North Star Mentoring.” North Star Mentoring is different than other mentoring programs. “Because the youth are a bit older and are often just out on their own, they really want to have a mentor in their lives,” says Mary. “That eagerness to pursue this additional support really helps to strengthen the relationship from the beginning.” Many youth involved in programs, such as ECILP, become accustomed to being surrounded by paid professionals. North Star Mentoring offers those individuals an opportunity to spend time with someone who is there simply because they care and want to help make a difference. “That was a real eye-opener for many of the kids who were matched with a mentor,” says Brenda. “They were surprised to find that people were willing to volunteer just to spend time with them.” Mentors have also found the experience to be rewarding. “The best thing about being a mentor is gaining a deeper understanding

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Professional Communications Messaging Service, Inc. (PCMSI) 105 Poplar Street Erie, PA 16507 www.pcmsi.com Toll free: 888.776.2661 Office: 814.459.2000 Fax: 800.382.7329

AirBorn

North Star Mentoring

Founded in 1958, AirBorn began manufacturing electronic connectors for the military and of how difficult it can be to overcome certain industries. AirBorn parts were obstacles that mayaerospace be out of your control,” designed into volunteers the Voyager 1 and 2 probes, lunar says Molly Fritts, one of the first modules, space shuttles and Mars rovers to name trained and matched through North Star a few. Today, AirBorn is an employee-owned Mentoring. “I really enjoy being able to be company whose core business is engineering, someone that can be there to support my specialized manufacturing and testing mentee as a positive impact and and helpelectronic her be components interconnects successful in her future as an equipment adult.” for original manufacturers (OEMs) across industries including: aerospace, energy, So what would Molly tell someone who was geophysical, industrial, instrumentation, marine, thinking about becoming a mentor? “I wouldand space exploration. medical, military/defense tell them that it’s worth it,” says Molly. “It’s employees worth the time andAirBorn’s the effort. It’s worthexpress taking a distinct “prideof-ownership,” embracing the chance on a total stranger and letting it their direct stake in making the company a best-in-class operation develop into a positive force in their mentee’s from initial consultations to product shipment. life and in their own.” AirBorn’s customer service, engineering, product management, manufacturing and sales teams work hard to deliver on its quality promise with North Star Mentoring agesand 14-21, allhelps of itsyouth, products value-added services, each and every time. in the Erie County Independent Living Program (ECILP) make permanent connections with positive Products adult role models. ECILP is a offers collaboration of AirBorn a wide range of products and the Erie County Office of Children and Youth, services, including the manufacture of individual Bethesda Lutheran Services, and cable Familyassemblies, Services flexible circuit connectors, of NW PA. The organizations believe that engineered young assemblies, custom power supplies, people who are surrounded by caring adults are more likely to thrive in all areas of their lives. Spending just a few hours each month with a caring adult can really make a difference.

Becoming a mentor is easier than most people think. Volunteers must be at least 24 years old, commit to being matched for at least one year, spend at least four hours with their mentee each month, and attend professional trainings prior to being matched. Trained Mentoring Specialists also provide ongoing support.

PCMSI: Answering the Call Jennifer Nelson Professional is the director of Supply ChainMessaging and Communications Service, Inc. (PCMSI) is a Operations at AirBorn. leader in the telephone answering service industry. Utilizing state-of-the-

complete box builds and high-level electromechanical assemblies. AirBorn is known the world over for its interconnect solutions and offers thousands of specialized connector models to fit virtually any design requirement. The company also offers standard catalog products and design-to-order, build-to-order and test-to-order solutions to meet its customers’ unique specifications.

art computer systems and highly trained and courteous live operators, PCMSI is here to answer the call. The company’s professional and personalized answering and messaging services are custom designed to fit customers’ needs, goals and budget. PCMSI works diligently to gain, build and maintain long-term partnerships.

CO M PAN Y PR O FIL E

Design & Manufacturing With more than 60 degreed engineers employed companywide, AirBorn’s team is one of the most innovative and committed companies a customer will find in electronics manufacturing today. If you’re looking for a partner than can help design a high-quality solution from the simplest of “napkin sketches,” AirBorn’s design team will work with you to make it happen. AirBorn designs and builds all the tooling (including stamping tools, molding tools and automation equipment), so that the company is able to offer customers a complete solution. Customers can leverage its design and manufacturing expertise throughout the entire product development process because AirBorn operates all services completely in house. From conceptual design, prototyping, pilot-runs through to mass production, AirBorn’s teams will work to get your product to market fast, elegantly and ahead of the competition.

Established and headquartered in Erie, PA, PCMSI has grown to offer a full spectrum of customized answering, messaging and professional Whether the final solution involves a box-build, communication From online appointment scheduling, order cable harnesses or services. flexible circuits, partnering andcan emergency to lead and capture, employee call-off withtaking AirBorn result in dispatching the best total-cost lines, event registration and muchlooks more, technology-based total-quality package. The company toPCMSI’s its communications hubtheir will keep you connected customers to integrate supply chain with at all times. Clear and concisetogether, messages will be and relayed through a variety of delivery platforms AirBorn’s; AirBorn its customers for each individual cancustomized meet any production timeline.or business. ForCustomers nearly a decade, PCMSI has thrived under the leadership of Debra Uht Why Choose AirBorn despite sluggish economy. “There were challenging times for the AirBorn hasthe a history ofU.S. strength in design that forced to look at ourcustom operations from top to bottom, and andcompany manufacturing bothus standard and we did.” solutions. With all of its customerelectronics centric services offered under one roof, “PCMSI made a significant investment in its infrastructure including an AirBorn eliminates costly mark-ups associated upgraded computer system and new operator stations. We introduced withnew multiple sourcing partners, therefore, services to better service our customers, and we made changes that shortening andmore saving customerson a national and international enabled lead-times us to become competitive time andOther money. level. notable changes include a new website, improved hiring practices, updated personnel policies and AirBorn products are trusted to perform in training procedures and secure messaging,” Uht. “While technology demanding andcontinues often extreme conditions where is ever evolving, one thing that willreliability never change is ourcritical. commitment steadfast is mission When to provide personalized and custom service while meeting ourdifference customers’ needs and exceeding dependability can literally mean the their expectations.” between life or death and when superior design

and durability are essential for complete success, customers trust AirBorn products and have for 60 years. Debra Uht (standing) is the president of Professional Communications Messaging Service Inc., headquartered in Erie.

Value-Added Services AirBorn is committed to expanding capabilities beyond its signature interconnects. AirBorn’s value-added services include PCB design and assembly (including flexible circuits), power supply manufacturing, cable assemblies and complete qualification and testing for not only finished products but also initial design concepts. The company is equipped to deliver the highest quality product each and every time.

To learn more, visit www.NorthStarMentoring.org.

CO M PAN Y PR O FIL E All of the highly skilled and competent telephone answering service operators are based at the call center located in Erie; however, a substantial portion of PCMSI’s customers come from across the United States. Industries served include health care/medical, service professions, small business, real estate, government, schools and manufacturing. To be in compliance with today’s privacy laws and for handling sensitive personal and private information, PCMSI is bonded and HIPAA trained and certified. Further, PCMSI is very proud of its BBB AAA rating.

PCMSI is a woman-owned and operated business with more than 75 employees including operators and an experienced management and sales team. Many employees have been with PCMSI more than 20 years. PCMSI offers a generous benefit package that includes a paid training program, health insurance, matching 401(k) and paid vacation. Uht is proud to employ several of her own family members including her daughters Lauren and Christine. Lauren oversees the hiring and training of new employees and assists in the answering service whenever needed, and Christine works during college breaks. Uht’s brother, David Zatkiewicz, joined Team PCMSI over a year ago to lead the IT Department. Uht is grateful to have their support along with encouragement and guidance from her husband, Raymond Spurgeon. She also credits her faith for guiding her through the ups and downs of life while making her the woman she is today. “We need strong women not only as mothers, wives and friends but also as community leaders, decision makers and business owners,” Uht says. “I believe women in business bring an intuition, a focus and a level of empathy that enables us to lead and succeed.” Contact PCMSI today to discuss an affordable answering service plan customized for your business.

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BUSINESS

VOL. XXXV NO. 2 | FEBRUARY 2022

MAGAZINE

SPOTLIGHT Q&A:

NEW EMERGYCARE CHIEF DISCUSSES MISSION, LIFE-SAVING SERVICES

ON THE HILL:

REGIONAL HOSPITAL RAISES THE BAR IN CARDIAC CARE

HOW YOU CAN TAKE ACTION ON PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICING

How Healthy Is Your Business?

5 Financial Benchmarks Over the last two years, personal and financial well-being have been top of mind for both individuals and businesses. Many people are assessing their personal job satisfaction, examining opportunities for growth and possible changes in career path or considering retirement. Business owners are similarly evaluating the future of their companies, assessing whether the company is positioned well for the future, what lessons they learned over the past two years, and whether it’s time to begin transferring ownership to the next generation or to sell the company. What’s the best way to determine your company’s financial well-being? Let’s look at five benchmarks.

Liquidity

Capitalization

If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that we should expect the unexpected and be prepared for anything. The key here is having adequate liquidity and/or access to liquidity. Talk with your bank to ensure you have access to the working capital you need to keep your business moving forward. Managing your credit exposure is critical. Is your company well capitalized? Is it solvent? You don’t want to leverage the company to the point you cannot meet future obligations.

Budgeting

Stick to a budget. Managing sales and profitability go hand in hand. It’s just not about the top line on an income statement; you need to be profitable, too. We’ve learned that things can change in an instant, but having a budget or plan will help you through some unexpected challenges and guide your decisions. Make a plan for the next 12 to 24 months, focusing on diversification as a key component. Companies that did not diversify their sales mix were impacted more throughout the pandemic than those who had a vast customer base. Having strong financial records and timely financial reports will also help you make well-informed decisions at critical times throughout the year.

Operating efficiency

Strong financial network

Over the past 24 months, many business owners have “reinvented themselves” — taking a deep dive into their business to see where they could streamline operations to create greater efficiencies. Some businesses introduced new products and services; others learned how to do things better and more quickly. Don’t go it alone. Working with your CPA, attorney, insurance agent and your Marquette banker is a good practice. Keeping these professionals well informed and proactively working with your banker will help avoid costly issues down the road.

Established more than 12 years ago, our Business Banking group has enjoyed continued growth each and every year, with back-to-back record performance in 2020 and 2021. Business owners have come to appreciate our approach to doing business — keeping it simple. As the only locally headquartered bank in Erie and Crawford counties, all of our decisions are made right here and our bankers are available to help you assess the financial health of your business. Don’t hesitate to contact a Marquette Business Banker about any of your business banking needs. Matthew Zonno is our newest member and executive vice president leading Marquette’s Business Banking division — a team of experienced professionals serving commercial clients throughout Erie and Crawford counties. Matt brings 35 years of commercial banking knowledge with him to Marquette’s team. Since forming in 1908, Marquette Savings Bank has grown to include 12 community-based offices with assets of more than $1 billion.

FEATURES WHAT’S INSIDE | FEATURED STORY

Well-Being and Engagement More employers enhancing tools and resources.

COVER STORY | LOCAL PROFILE

UPMC Hamot UPMC Hamot is raising the bar in cardiac care. The northwest Pennsylvania hospital recently received its certification as a Comprehensive Cardiac Care Center from both the Joint Commission and the American Heart Association – a certification that means the hospital has delivered high quality clinical heart care over a set period of time.

SPOTLIGHT Q&A | LEADERSHIP

9 DEPARTMENTS 12

BUSINESS BUZZ

PEOPLE BUZZ

WHAT’S NEW

EVENTS 17 NETWORKING AND MORE

See what’s happening at the MBA and with our members in the region!

READ ON THE GO! For the most current Business Magazine updates, visit mbabizmag.com

TRAINING CONNECTION HR Q&A

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Executive Editor Karen Torres ktorres@mbausa.org Contributing Writers Jenna Bickford Rose Bruno Eileen Anderson Lisa DeFilippo

EDITORIAL LEGAL BRIEF | ACCESSIBILITY

AWARDS AND PROMOTIONS

WORKPLACE TRENDS

David Basnak, the new president / executive director of EmergyCare Inc., discusses the importance of the nonprofit organization and its services in Erie and beyond.

Feature Photography R. Frank Media

Rethinking patient privacy: Information blocking. Jenna Bickford

ON THE HILL | WORTH NOTING

Prescription drug pricing:How you can take action to control costs. Eileen Anderson

Advertising Sales Frank Mehler 814/833-3200 fmehler@mbausa.org

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On the Cover: UPMC Hamot’s VP of Operations Marlow Levy, cardiologist Christopher Good, D.O., and Deborah Pora, clinical director at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Hamot, have collaborated along with approximately 100 team members to earn the hospital’s Comprehensive Cardiac Care Center certification. For full story, see page 4. 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 2022 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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Well-Being and Engagement

MORE EMPLOYERS ENHANCING TOOLS, RESOURCES Research shows that the healthier employees are in terms of well-being, the higher the levels of engagement, and the higher the engagement, the healthier the workforce. So, what can employers do to improve well-being and engagement? Providing enhanced tools and resources around well-being is something many employers may want to consider this year. Here are a few growing trends in 2022 as companies work to recruit and retain workers and improve employee health. 1. Mental health solutions. The COVID pandemic has exacerbated long-standing challenges pertaining to mental health and emotional well-being — including access, stigma, quality and resources. More employers are investing in online resources and digital health solutions to ensure more workers can access behavioral health care. 2. Safety, health and well-being. Leading employers will continue to drive the evolution of the workforce, including how and where employees work. Many employers will remain focused on programs that support psychological and workplace safety, remote or hybrid work and leave-related impacts. Experts say employers will continue to take into consideration their employees’ interests and focus purposefully on health equity, go beyond behavior change and alter the circumstances that shape physical and mental health,

and increase the trust employees have in their employers in terms of safety, health and well-being, 3. Holistic wellness. The pandemic brought about many changes and new ways of thinking, and companies are starting to realize that workplace wellness needs to go beyond physical and mental health. Programs that help individuals manage and cope with stress and depression will become more commonplace, as will programs that help employees with financial wellness and reskilling efforts. 4. Financial wellness. An emerging trend in workplace wellness is a focus on financial wellness. Many people were impacted financially by the pandemic and are still trying to recover, and financial worries are becoming a major driver of employee stress.

employee engagement and loyalty, so it’s a win-win for both employees and employers. In this issue of the MBA Business Magazine, we’ll explore workplace health and wellness resources in the tri-state region, including the accessibly to comprehensive cardiac care at UPMC Hamot in Erie. In addition, we’ll talk to the new president and executive director of EmergyCare about the organization’s mission and life-saving services. Plus, hear from our experts on such topics as reducing stress for your team by utilizing effective leadership skills, and how you can take control of prescription drug pricing with a few practical solutions. To learn more about the ways the MBA can assist your organization, visit mbausa.org!

Research shows that providing the financial wellness support employees are looking for can positively impact

A RENEWED FOCUS ON HEALTH mbabizmag.com • FEBRUARY 2022

COVER STORY | LOCAL PROFILE

Cardiologist Christopher Good, D.O., Vice President of Operations Marlow Levy and Deborah Pora, clinical director at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Hamot, are committed to excellence in cardiac care.

Regional Hospital Raises the Bar in Cardiac Care UPMC Hamot has a history of breaking new ground when it comes to medical care. In addition to boasting the region’s only certified trauma center, UPMC Hamot is a Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center, and in 2018, was the first in the nation to use robotic bronchoscopy technology in the battle against lung cancer. Now, UPMC Hamot has added to this growing list of distinctions by raising the bar in cardiac care. In September 2021, UPMC Hamot received its certification as a Comprehensive Cardiac Care Center from both the Joint Commission and the American Heart Association — a certification that means the hospital has delivered high quality clinical heart care over a set period of time. In fact, UPMC Hamot is the first hospital in the UPMC system to achieve this independent stamp of approval. 4

FEBRUARY 2022 • mbabizmag.com

The importance of the cardiac care certification is far-reaching not only for the hospital and the hospital system, but as a valuable resource toward population health in northwest Pennsylvania. The certification demonstrates integrated and coordinated care, early identification of high-risk patients, and timely patient education for informed decision making. The certification also contributes to ongoing quality improvement as related to patient care efficiencies and outcomes. According to Marlow Levy, MBA, RN, FACHE, vice president of operations at UPMC Hamot, “This designation sends a message about the quality of care that patients can expect to receive here — as one of the best hospitals in the country to deliver comprehensive cardiac care.” UPMC Hamot’s participation in the Comprehensive Cardiac Care Center certification program was completely voluntarily, but gave the hospital a rigorous review of its performance as well as cardiac care standards in such areas as heart attacks, heart failure, cardiac resuscitation, arrhythmia management, cardiac

Francis D. Ferdinand, M.D., FACS, FACC, director of cardiac surgery at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Hamot, conducts a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). UPMC Hamot was the first hospital in the region to perform this procedure.

catheterization, heart stents, coronary bypass/valve treatment, and cardiac rehabilitation. “We didn’t work to achieve the certification because we had to, but because it is the right thing to do for our patients,” says Levy. The review process started in July 2021 and was completed in September 2021 — in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings: UPMC Hamot was recognized with high honors for its procedural outcomes, quality control and patient access. “At a time when our staff were pushing to take care of the patients in this unprecedented era of the pandemic, they were also focusing on not losing anything in terms of quality in cardiac patient care,” states Levy. “I believe that speaks to the level of professionals we have here within the cardiac program and at UPMC Hamot.”

Integrated and Coordinated Care

Critical to the certification was UPMC Hamot’s coordination of cardiac care along the care continuum — which included community initiatives and patient education, inpatient and outpatient care, rehabilitation, and interviews with patients and families. “This certification is not just a hospital certification,” explains Deborah Pora, DNP, CRNP, ANP-C, RCIS, clinical director at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Hamot. “This is truly comprehensive from how we service the community to all the way through to post discharge.” The review examined UPMC Hamot’s emergency department, critical care units, operating rooms, cath labs, radiology services and pharmacy labs, as well as its outpatient clinics hosted through the UPMC Hamot Center for Healthy Living at 3330 Peach Street in Erie. The facility houses UPMC Hamot’s outpatient cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program, and is also

Simple Steps for Heart Health UPMC Hamot’s cardiac care team has some suggestions for employers and their employees when it comes to heart health. According to Francis D. Ferdinand, M.D., FACS, FACC, director of cardiac surgery at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Hamot, the best way to help improve cardiac health and wellness is to not only choose a healthy diet but to stay active at work. UPMC Hamot, for one, is a big supporter of the American Heart Association Heart Walk and Go Red for Women initiatives. “When you have a break at work, go for a little walk around the building. You can do a flight of stairs. Those are the type of things that really help to make a huge difference, and people sometimes overlook them,” says Dr. Ferdinand. Deborah Pora, DNP, CRNP, ANP-C, RCIS, clinical director at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Hamot, adds many people have lost their tolerance to exercise and encourages employees and their employers to consider using computer stands as well. “Talk about what you need to stay healthy at work,” she says. UPMC Hamot and its heart and vascular offices also encourage people to consider depression screenings. “Broken heart syndrome is a real thing,” Pora says, of the condition, which can be brought on by stressful situations, “so screenings can help.”

a community resource for health fair clinics, as well as diabetes and smoking cessation courses — including those held virtually because of the pandemic. The review also examined UPMC Hamot’s collaboration with other community hospitals in the tri-state area and within the UPMC system, an area in which UPMC Hamot excels as a model for best practices. Equally important to the review was the education and resources available to patients and their families to make informed decisions pre- and post-procedure. “They looked at our scope of care, our treatment, our services and our center’s philosophy, focusing on patient population and community demographics and how we are serving them,” notes Pora. “They looked at leadership responsibilities, accountabilities, backup systems and our integration and collaboration.” Approximately 100 health-care professionals were involved in the certification process. Auditors looked at all different types of team members, whether they were a nurse practitioner, a nurse, a respiratory therapist, or a surgeon, and conducted a thorough inspection of their training, orientation, education and their role in cardiac care. “For example, our nursing staff here have a matrix with the cardiac care service line, so that we’re ensuring its practice and benchmarks and best practices are coordinated throughout the entire system,” says Levy. “That, in turn, helps us to make sure that we’re following those best practices when we’re educating and caring for our patients, and taking care of them in a coordinated fashion.” >

Cardiologist Christopher Good, D.O., conducts a cardiac patient evalution at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Hamot.

mbabizmag.com • FEBRUARY 2022

Dedicated cardiac nurses at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Hamot were among the 100 health-care professionals involved in the certification process.

Since the hospital’s affiliation with UPMC in 2011, more than $300 million has been invested in the Erie campus. A considerable amount of that investment has gone toward UPMC Hamot’s cardiac program. Including advanced equipment, software, and sophisticated technology in its cath labs, UPMC Hamot has also implemented upgrades to its electrophysiology lab. Additionally, the hospital employs hybrid operating rooms, which allow for a variety of specialists to work together during a procedure.

High Tech and High Quality

UPMC Hamot may have the feel of a community hospital, but its robust cardiac care program is among the best in the region, treating everything from coronary disease, heart failure and heart-valve diseases to offering one of the leading electrophysiology programs for heart abnormalities. For complex cases, like heart transplants and the treatment of aortic dissection, UPMC Hamot has a well-established relationship with designated hospitals in Pittsburgh for seamless care. “I think we’re fortunate to be able to accommodate most needs from a cardiac standpoint here locally,” notes cardiologist Christopher Good, D.O. “The group of people who work within our department is the reason that we have the cardiac care certification, while preserving a community hospital feel.” As part of the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, UPMC Hamot is leading the way when it comes to treatment and revolutionary medical devices for people facing serious heart and vascular conditions. UPMC Hamot was the first hospital in the region to offer a valve center, peripheral vascular center, heart failure clinic, cardiac ER and cardiac MRIs. It was the first hospital in western Pennsylvania to use the WATCHMAN® cardiovascular implant, an alternative to long-term blood thinner therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) to reduce the risk of stroke. Additionally, UPMC Hamot was the first hospital in the region approved to perform the innovative transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures. A TAVR procedure is minimally invasive and implants an artificial aortic valve inside a patient’s damaged heart valve, eliminating the need for open heart surgery or a heart-lung machine during the procedure.

“I think that lends to our certification,” says Levy. “We are always staying on top of what’s out there in terms of research and innovation.”

Focused on What’s Best

While UPMC Hamot is constantly evaluating and investing in technology, the hospital also is looking at processes and practices to ensure that the care given locally is recognized by leading health-care organizations from around the country. Many of UPMC Hamot’s doctors are involved in research through the University of Pittsburgh. As leaders within the industry, they are connected to the latest advancements in care when it comes to new procedures and practices, bringing that knowledge back to UPMC Hamot. According to Levy, the certification also enables UPMC Hamot to enhance and improve its cardiac program. “We have this certification and this top-notch program, and it has a positive impact on the entire community, as well as the entire system,” he says. Along with the Comprehensive Cardiac Care Center certification, there are many reasons to be excited about the innovations happening within cardiac services at UPMC Hamot, and the hospital’s ability to offer that care locally benefits the community. “I’m excited about the growth of our team and that we have one of the best teams in the country in terms of delivering cardiac care,” says Levy. “And I’m looking forward to continuing to work with them as they embark on new frontiers in cardiac health care. Bringing those things here to Erie, makes that dot on the map bigger and ultimately improves local patient care.”

According to Francis D. Ferdinand, M.D., FACS, FACC, director of cardiac surgery at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Hamot, the surgical team will have completed its 1,000th TAVR procedure by mid-January 2022. “We have extensive experience in TAVR procedures, and we use two main types of devices so we can tailor the procedure to the patient and not the other way around,” explains Dr. Ferdinand. ”TAVR procedures are another example of how our heart team excels.” UPMC Hamot’s state-of-the-art equipment and facilities certainly can’t be overlooked either.

UPMC Hamot is a 458-bed hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania, offering a full complement of inpatient and outpatient services, and serves as a regional referral hub and Level II Trauma Center. Supported by more than 650 physicians and nearly 4,000 dedicated employees, UPMC Hamot’s mission is to serve its patients, communities and one another in the UPMC Hamot tradition of quality, health, healing and education. UPMC Hamot’s superior health-care services are continually recognized by notable accrediting bodies. For more information, visit UPMCHamot.org or call 814/877-6000.

FEBRUARY 2022 • mbabizmag.com

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SPOTLIGHT Q&A| LEADERSHIP

New Emergy Care Chief Discusses Mission, Life-Saving Services When it comes to the health and wellness of the community, ambulance services can and do save lives — and much more. Here, David Basnak, the new president / executive director of Emergy Care Inc., discusses the importance of the nonprofit organization and its services in Erie and beyond.

You recently became head of EmergyCare, effective February 1. What can you tell our readers about your experience? My journey in emergency medical services (EMS) started in 2001 when I attended an evening emergency medical technician (EMT) class during my senior year of high school. After graduation, I worked part time as an EMT while attending college for a degree in Information Technology from Penn State. During this time, my passion for EMS continued to evolve in parallel with my desire to provide a higher level of care to people in need. A year later, I started an evening paramedic program while continuing to work and attend college. Now, looking back at my 20 years of EMS experience, 15 years of my experience have been in various EMS management and leadership roles including: Continuous Quality Improvement coordinator, Operations manager, EMS specialist, senior manager of Prehospital Care, assistant director, and now president / executive director. During this time, I completed an associate degree in information technology, a bachelor’s degree in disaster and emergency management, and a master’s degree in business administration. I also hold board certifications as a certified medical transport executive, certified emergency manager, and a critical care paramedic. Tell us about EmergyCare, its mission and history. EmergyCare is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that’s mission is to save lives and positively impact the health, well-being, and safety of the communities we serve. EmergyCare was founded in a grassroots effort to provide quality, life-saving care to patients

outside of the hospital setting. This was a joint endeavor by then-Hamot Medical Center, St. Vincent Hospital, Metro Hospital, and the City of Erie. Because of EmergyCare’s expertise in prehospital medicine, TransCare Ambulance (Warren, Pa), Kane Ambulance, Titusville Ambulance, and Corry Ambulance would all later be acquired by the organization. EmergyCare provides much more than a ride to the hospital. Please explain. EmergyCare specializes in providing prehospital care medicine and medical transportation solutions. This ranges from providing basic services such as medical taxi / paratransit transportation to advanced care by bringing critical care services to the patient’s side with the mobile intensive care unit. In addition, we also provide various new EMS certification programs along with several public CPR courses. Describe EmergyCare’s service area, operation and fleet. EmergyCare provides service to parts of seven counties, spanning more than 2,100 square miles and has stations located in Erie, Corry, Warren, Titusville and Kane. Our catchment area covers nearly half a million people, and we receive over 65,000 requests of service every year. The fleet of vehicles includes 34 ambulances, five paramedic response units and 23 paratransit units.

difficult situations in which our staff was able to immediately analyze, adjust and execute to continue our mission to the community. To date, our staff has had contact with thousands of COVID-19 patients. Our staff has worked tirelessly through high call volumes, staffing shortages, and the overwhelmed healthcare system to continue to provide essential services. I am proud of the positive impact they have had on our community during this public health crisis. What’s ahead for EmergyCare in 2022? The primary focus in 2022 is the recruitment and retention of qualified staff to continue to advance our mission forward. EmergyCare is proud to have the ability to provide new provider EMS education training to produce our own qualified clinical staff. In fact, EmergyCare is the only organization accredited to provide EMS education training at the paramedic level in northwestern Pennsylvania. Additionally, EmergyCare will be continuing to advocate for local, state, and federal funding of EMS. Subpar insurance reimbursement and the lack of financial support to EMS is a major contributing factor to the current EMS staffing crisis. As one of the largest EMS organizations in Pennsylvania, EmergyCare has the responsibility to be an advocate for the industry. For more information about EmergyCare, visit emergycare.org.

EmergyCare has been a critical provider during COVID-19. Tell us more. Our team at EmergyCare has been the true front line of the pandemic. Over the past two years, COVID-19 has continued to throw mbabizmag.com • FEBRUARY 2022

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LEGAL BRIEF | ACCESSIBILITY

Rethinking Patient Privacy: Information Blocking A Shift in Thinking About Patient Privacy Information blocking requires healthcare providers to rethink patient privacy. Since the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was enacted, health-care providers have been rightfully cautious about disclosing patient information. HIPAA requires providers to disclose patient information only in limited circumstances. In many situations, HIPAA permits, but does not require, a provider to disclose patient information. Accordingly, many health-care providers disclose patient health information only when required. Now, health-care providers who decline to disclose electronic health information may run afoul of the information blocking rules if HIPAA would permit the disclosure. The question is no longer whether the provider is required to make the disclosure, but whether the provider is permitted to do so. If the provider is permitted to disclose, the information blocking rules may require the disclosure.

Jenna Bickford is a partner at MacDonald Illig Attorneys and is a member of the firm’s Business Transactions, Real Estate and Finance, and Healthcare Practice Groups. Over the last two decades, the federal government has made several attempts, through regulations and financial incentives, to expand the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and make EHRs more compatible and interoperable. EHR compatibility and interoperability allows health-care providers, payors, and health information exchanges to share and access health information data across systems in order to better facilitate health-care delivery. In 2016, Congress continued these efforts by passing the 21st Century Cures Act, which included provisions aimed to promote electronic health information interoperability, promote patient access to records, and prohibit “information blocking.” Final rules took effect on April 5, 2021. Information Blocking Information blocking is any practice that is likely to interfere with, or discourage access, exchange, or use of, electronic health

information. To constitute information blocking, a health-care provider must know that the practice is unreasonable and is likely to interfere with, or discourage access, exchange, or use of, electronic health information. Additionally, a health IT developer, exchange, or network engages in information blocking if it knew, or should have known, that a practice was unreasonable and was likely to interfere with, or discourage access, exchange, or use of, electronic health information. A study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found anticompetitive uses of information blocking, such as an EHR developer who intentionally makes exportation of an EHR more difficult than necessary to discourage switching the EHR to a different developer. A health-care provider may engage in anti-competitive information blocking by refusing to interface its EHR technology with another provider who is a competitor. However, not all information blocking is anti-competitive. Conduct that has historically been considered not only legal, but good privacy practices, may now constitute information blocking. For example, a health-care provider’s privacy policies may be considered information blocking if the policies result in the provider declining to share electronic health information when other applicable law would permit the disclosure.

Information blocking rules may also require proactive steps to facilitate a disclosure, such as working with a patient to obtain a valid HIPAA Authorization form in order to permit a requested disclosure. Compliance Steps To implement these changes, a health-care provider should consider the following compliance steps: • Reevaluate privacy practices and identify areas in which information blocking may exist. • Review EHR vendor and other data sharing agreements to ensure the contractual terms prohibit information blocking and promote interoperability between EHRs. • Review the Notice of Privacy Practices, and other HIPAA policies and procedures, to require appropriate access, exchange, and use of electronic health information in situations where HIPAA permits such use or disclosure. • Review Business Associate Agreements for consistency with updated HIPAA policies and procedures. • Review fees charged in connection with EHR interfaces or connections. • Communicate and train employees about these changes. For more information, contact Attorney Jenna Bickford at 814/870-7762 or jbickford@mijb.com. mbabizmag.com • FEBRUARY 2022

BUSINESS BUZZ | WHAT’S NEW HIGHMARK HEALTH TEAMS UP WITH BOSCH ON DEEP AUDIO AI TO DIAGNOSE PEDIATRIC PULMONARY CONDITIONS Highmark Health and Bosch, a leading global supplier of technology and services, recently announced at the CES® 2022 convention in Las Vegas, NV, a research collaboration that will explore the use of innovative sensor technology to capture audio that is analyzed using artificial intelligence to detect pediatric pulmonary conditions, such as asthma. The Bosch SoundSee technology was launched to the International Space Station (ISS) in late 2019 and is currently being used aboard the station to assess system operations.

The new research collaboration builds upon a longtime practice in doctor-patient care. When doctors put a stethoscope on a patient’s chest, they can hear audio patterns that help them detect an abnormality. Highmark Health and Bosch are applying the same principles of the stethoscope by using AI-enabled sensor technology to listen and detect audio cues that could help with patient diagnosis. Such AI capabilities have the potential to improve patient-centric, athome care where audio AI-based diagnostic results can be reported to a doctor for further analysis and recommended action. By using high-fidelity microphones coupled with AI and machine learning for sound analysis, the research team will investigate if pediatric pulmonary conditions such as asthma can be detected using the noise emitted through various breathing patterns from patients. Clinical studies will be conducted through the Pediatric Institute of Allegheny Health Network (AHN) and are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2022. Joseph Aracri, DO, AHN pediatrician and chair of its Pediatric Institute, will conduct the first feasibility study in a small cohort of pediatric patients. During the patient’s visit to the pediatric clinic, the high-resolution microphone will be used to capture the sounds as the children speak and breathe. The sounds will then be processed and added as a feature into the AI and machine learning techniques along with clinically relevant information and the child’s diagnosis. “This unique collaboration between two industry leaders fits squarely with our mission of exploring technological innovations that can improve the health and wellness of our patients and members,” said Kelly J. Shields, Ph.D., senior research data scientist for Highmark Health. “Bosch’s global leadership in the development of pioneering industrial and consumer technologies and Highmark Health’s R&D expertise, along with AHN’s leading pediatric expertise is an incredibly promising combination that we believe can help transform the diagnosis and treatment of asthma and other breathing disorders.” Dr. Aracri has practiced medicine as part of AHN Pediatrics since 1998 and served as its president from 2009 through 2014. Since 2014, Dr. Aracri has also served as the chair of the Department of Pediatrics for Allegheny Health Network, leading a Department of Pediatrics with more than 120 affiliated physicians, providing a broad range of inpatient and outpatient care, including general pediatrics, asthma, allergy and immunology, and neonatology services. For more information, visit highmarkhealth.org.

FEBRUARY 2022 • mbabizmag.com

Highmark Health and Bosch are collaborating on research that may help pediatric patients with pulmonary conditions. Microphones collect audio data of breathing patterns that are analyzed using artificial intelligence.

WABTEC WINS EQUIPMENT CONTRACT TO MODERNIZE CHICAGO’S METRA COMMUTER RAIL SERVICE Wabtec Corporation (NYSE: WAB) announced recently that has been awarded an order to improve passenger experience, reliability and safety for Metra, the commuter rail system in the Chicago metropolitan area serving the city of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. The contract includes the latest brakes, passenger access doors, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and event recorder solutions for 200 new rail cars.

“We are thrilled to begin work on this largescale contract supplying the most advanced technology for doors, brakes, and HVAC to one of the world’s busiest commuter rail systems,” said Lilian Leroux, Wabtec Transit President. “This new contract builds upon our position as a leading equipment manufacturer on both sides of the Atlantic and across the world, and will ensure safe, reliable, and timely passenger service to millions of riders over 1,200 miles of track and across more than 240 stations throughout the greater Chicagoland area.” Wabtec will provide 800 double doorways and 400 single doorways, which include the new DLC Next door control unit, one of the most modern door control systems in the world. This solution includes touchless buttons to protect passenger’s health and safety. It also enables acoustic sealing of cabin end-doors and allows for 80-percent commonality between all types of doors making maintenance easier. It is one of the most reliable and robust door systems available in the industry. The HVAC system will also provide another level of passenger comfort and safety. Wabtec will install 400 passenger HVAC systems, with an efficient energy management system.

In addition, Wabtec will supply its proven FastBrake microprocessor controlled braking system along with the latest generation wheel slide protection to provide optimum stopping distances in adverse conditions. This system will allow interoperability with existing fleet cars. For more information, visit wabteccorp.com.

VIKING PLASTICS’ PARTNER OPENS INJECTION MOLDING COMPANY IN BRAZIL

Injequaly Industria LTDA, a Brazil-based injection molding company in São Paulo and partner of Viking Plastics in Pennsylvania has expanded, adding a plant in Joinville. The new 2,000-square-meter Joinville plant is the second location for Injequaly. The plant will produce plastic refrigerator components for Whirlpool, a multinational appliance company. “We worked alongside Whirlpool on this project, and we’re honored to be among their trusted partners. This plant produces parts that will be in refrigerators across the globe. The addition of this facility is projected to increase Injequaly’s business by 30 percent,” said Fernando Esteves, Injequaly’s director of Development. Injequaly’s last expansion came in 2019, when the plastic injection molding company added five injection molding machines to their São Paulo plant, bringing their total at the plant to 16 machines. Founded in 2003, Injequaly Industria LTDA is a partner of Viking Plastics in Corry, Pennsylvania USA. Injequaly molds tight-tolerance products for automotive, consumer and industrial markets. The company is ISO 9002 certified and is working toward ISO 14001 certification in 2021. For more information, visit injequaly.com.br or vikingplastics.com.

PEOPLE BUZZ | AWARDS AND PROMOTIONS UNITED WAY OF ERIE COUNTY APPOINTS NEW VP OF FINANCE

United Way of Erie County has named Sally Opferbeck as vice president of finance and administration. Opferbeck is responsible for all accounting, finance and treasury functions as well as for developing and maintaining the financial infrastructure of the United Way. Born in Baghdad, Iraq, Opferbeck lived for 17 years in Jordan before she moved to Erie in 2009. She is a graduate of Villa Maria Academy and earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Penn State Behrend.

Opferbeck previously was the director of finance and administration at the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County.

ERIE INDEMNITY ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE OFFICER

The Board of Directors of Erie Indemnity Company (NASDAQ: ERIE) appointed a new executive vice president.

The Board appointed Brian W. Bolash an executive vice president of the company. Bolash has been with the company for 21 years and served as senior vice president, secretary and general counsel, with responsibility for the Law Division and Internal Audit. Bolash continues to serve as the company’s general counsel and corporate secretary. Bolash is a graduate of Gannon University and The Dickinson School of Law of The Pennsylvania State University.

ERIE INSURANCE APPOINTS LEEMHUIS VP & CORPORATE RISK OFFICER

Erie Insurance (ERIE) recently named Dorothy Leemhuis as the company’s next vice president and corporate risk officer. In this role, Leemhuis will lead the company’s Enterprise Risk Management department in ERIE’s Actuarial division.

In her previous role, Leemhuis led a team responsible for the actuarial modeling of ERIE’s auto, home and business insurance products. As an actuary in ERIE’s Corporate Actuarial department, Leemhuis also developed enterprise-level capital forecasts and recommended reinsurance and capital amounts to meet corporate risk tolerances and regulatory requirements. Leemhuis joined ERIE in 2010 as an actuarial analyst, after graduating from Case Western Reserve University with a bachelor’s degree in statistics. She is also a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society (FCAS).

NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY ANNOUNCES PROMOTION

National Fuel Gas Company, headquartered in Williamsville, New York, recently announced several promotions, including Michael Colpoys as senior vice president for National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation with oversight for all utility field operations in New York and Pennsylvania. The promotion was effective October 1, 2021. In this role, Colpoys also will oversee the corporate Security Department and Pennsylvania-statewide Government Affairs Department.

Colpoys started his career in 1987 as a management trainee and was promoted to junior engineer in 1988. In the following years, he was promoted numerous times, advancing to assistant vice oresident of Distribution Corporation in 2009 and then to vice president in 2015 of National Fuel Gas Midstream Company where he oversaw the development, construction, and operation of the company’s expanding gathering pipelines. In 2016, Colpoys was named vice president of Distribution Corporation. Colpoys received a Bachelor of Science degree from Clarkson University and a Master of Business Administration from Behrend College at Pennsylvania State University. National Fuel is a diversified energy company that operates an integrated collection of natural gas and oil assets across four business segments: Exploration and Production, Pipeline and Storage, Gathering, and Utility.

LARSON TEXTS CEO NAMED PENN STATE ALUMNI FELLOW

Larson Texts Chief Executive Officer Matthew Totzke has been named one of 22 Penn State Alumni Fellows for 2021. He is a 1996 graduate of Penn State Behrend. The lifelong title of Alumni Fellow is the highest award given by the Penn State ,Alumni Association.

Totzke, who joined Erie-based Larson Texts in 1993 while still a student at Penn State Behrend, has held positions in software development, information technology, process improvement, project management, and project development with the company. In 2008, he managed the launch of the first product line of Big Ideas Learning. During his tenure, the companies have grown from creating educational materials for third-party publishers to becoming one of the country’s leading K-12 mathematics publishers.

mbabizmag.com • FEBRUARY 2022

TRAINING CONNECTION | WORKPLACE TRENDS MENTAL HEALTH, DIGITAL SOLUTIONS TOP LIST OF EMPLOYEE WELLNESS TRENDS Over the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated existing workplace trends and highlighted essential benefits that have been ignored for too long. Two such areas include mental well-being and digitally offered solutions. To better understand the future of employee well-being in a post-COVID-19 world, particularly the renewed focus on a holistic approach, Wellable Labs conducted its annual Employee Wellness Industry Trends Report. Here are a few findings that company decision makers should plan for in 2022: • Employers are prioritizing mental health programs for employees. Mental health programs are seeing a rapid increase in adoption and investment in the workplace as the COVID-19 pandemic triggers mental health conditions. The majority of employers surveyed are increasing their investment in mental health programs (90 percent), followed closely by stress management and resilience programs (76 percent), and mindfulness and meditation programs (71 percent).

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• Virtual employee benefits are now the preference as employers expand their offerings. According to their brokers, 72 percent of employers who expect to be investing more in health and well-being will do so completely or mostly virtually. Examples of such benefits include on-demand fitness classes, health education and literacy, health coaching, and health fairs. • Telemedicine adoption and utilization are soaring. In recent years, telemedicine has been an employee benefit to watch. Due to the sharp rise in remote work and safety concerns at heath offices, the adoption of telemedicine accelerated rapidly since the pandemic began and continues to climb. Employees and employers alike have come to appreciate telemedicine’s ability to offer flexible, on-demand, and cost-effective solutions. As a result, 80 percent of employers plan to invest more in this benefit this year. SURVEY: CLEANING PROTOCOLS STILL A TOP PRIORITY IN AMERICAN WORKPLACES A new survey of 1,600 Americans reveals a clean workplace is still a top priority for those returning to work amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The survey conducted by the Cleaning Coalition of America finds that U.S. workers increasingly value enhanced cleaning of the workplace and feel safer seeing professional cleaners onsite — a sentiment shared by both vaccinated and unvaccinated Americans. Fielded in late October, the survey examined the perceptions of 1,099 vaccinated and 501 unvaccinated workers to understand expectations surrounding returnto-work as businesses continue to reopen. An overwhelming majority — 93.4 percent — of vaccinated respondents and 82.2 percent of unvaccinated respondents cited workplace cleaning protocols as important as employees return to the office, with 77.2 percent of workers wanting the workplace cleaned daily.

FEBRUARY 2022 • mbabizmag.com

Who hasn’t talked about their own stress levels and listened to co-workers talk about their increased stress levels in the past months? We spend so much of our time in our work environments that work plays a big role in our stress and can also be a source of support and healing. Direct supervisors play a huge role in an employee’s attitude in the workplace and need to be cognizant of this effect on their stress, attitude and performance. Just a few simple supervisory skills can help reduce stress levels immensely when we are all working in a supportive team environment. What leadership skills should you focus on? • First, try a bit more of the old standard — employee praise and appreciation. The best recognition comes from the heart of a manager they respect and know they can trust. Use the individual’s name, be specific and timely regarding the great work they performed, and there’s no problem if co-workers overhear your positive words and see your attention to details with your team. • Take time to listen to employees whether it is about an event that took place outside of work, or if it’s about an idea they have on a work process. Employees want to be heard and genuinely showing your listening skills is a clear way to show you care about your employees as the people they are, not just about the job they do. • Communicate clear expectations and do so using two-way communication. “Where do I stand? Can I ask for help with this? Do I have autonomy on this?” These are a few of many things to talk openly about with your people. • Finally, along with clear expectations, communicate your positive expectations in your words, actions and support to help produce those positive outcomes. Knowing we are doing well at our jobs and have a supportive team environment in the workplace goes a long way toward overall health and well-being. The skills listed above — and many more — can be learned in the MBA’s Supervisory Skills Series, Leadership for Team Leaders Series and other training classes. To learn more, visit mbausa.org or contact the Association’s Professional Development Training Department at 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660.

Lisa DeFilippo is the senior professional development trainer at the Manufacturer & Businesss Association. Contact her at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or ldefilippo@mbausa.org.

HR Q&A | GET ANSWERS WE CAN’T DO A COMPREHENSIVE WELLNESS PROGRAM RIGHT NOW, BUT IS IT STILL WORTH DOING SOMETHING? Absolutely — even a small activity can plant the seeds of success for your wellness program to grow. Engage in some low-cost activities, like providing a health and wellness bulletin board or newsletter. You can also coordinate walking groups or encourage managers to hold walking meetings when it is nice outside. These small steps can promote a healthier workplace. WE HAVE TRIED HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE PROGRAMS, BUT PARTICIPATION IS SMALL. WHAT CAN WE DO? Keep trying, and be patient. It will take some time for your program to get going. Remember that, ultimately, you are trying to change workplace culture, and change is a process that happens slowly over time.

Get Moving! Time to Engage Employees in Workplace Wellness Workplace wellness refers to the education and activities that a worksite may sponsor in order to promote healthy lifestyles for their employees and their families. Examples of wellness initiatives include health education classes, subsidized use of fitness facilities and internal policies or programs that promote healthy behavior. When sponsoring a wellness program, the main hurdle to success is employee engagement. The benefits of wellness programs can only be realized if a significant number of your employees take part in your efforts. In order to gain buy-in, some businesses offer employees an incentive for participating or reaching certain health goals. Why Workplace Wellness? Wellness affects your company’s bottom line in many ways — in particular, it can lower health-care costs, increase productivity, decrease absenteeism and raise employee morale. Because employees spend many of their waking hours at work, the workplace is an ideal setting to address health and wellness issues. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) promotes the formation of workplace wellness programs because, according to one of its studies, employees in companies with “a strong culture of health” are three times more likely to actively strive to improve their health. Control Health Insurance Costs A wellness program can help employees with high risk factors make the lifestyle changes to improve their quality of life and reduce their health-care costs, while also helping employees with fewer risk factors stay healthy. Reduce Workers’ Compensation and Disability Costs Employees who make healthy changes and lower their health risk factors often have a reduced chance of a workplace injury, illness or disability. This, in turn, can save employers money, not just on insurance premiums and benefits paid out, but also on the costs of recruiting and training a new worker to replace an employee who is out of work for health reasons. Increase Employee Productivity and Fewer Missed Days Healthier employees mean fewer sick days, which is another benefit companies can achieve through wellness programs. Plus, employees’ healthier behaviors may translate into better family choices, so employees may also miss less work caring for ill family members. Increased productivity and reduced absenteeism can yield significant cost savings. Higher Morale and Improved Recruiting A company that cares about its employees’ health is often seen as a better place to work, and wellness programs can attract top talent in a competitive market. In addition, demonstrating a commitment to your employees’ health can improve employee morale and strengthen retention.

Rose Bruno, PHR, SHRM-CP, is an HR consultant at the Manufacturer & Business Association. Contact her at 814/8333200, 800/815-2660 or rbruno@mbausa.org

One approach that has proven successful for employers, though, is to offer incentives for participation or attendance. For instance, you could offer free healthy snacks if employees attend a wellness meeting. Another approach is to invite people in the organization who are well-liked and respected to participate in your program in the hopes that it will encourage other employees to join as well. HAVE AN HR QUESTION? THE MBA CAN HELP! The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) knows that urgent HR and employment law issues can arise at a moment’s notice. As a member, you can call our certified HR consultants and labor and employment law attorney any time, at no charge for counsel on a broad range of workplace-related issues including: • Hiring and firing practices • Company policies • Compensation and benefits • Employment law • Employment agreements • Workers’ compensation • Affirmative Action Plans • Unemployment compensation claims • Employee handbook policies • OSHA compliance • Sexual harassment • Family Medical Leave Act • COBRA • Americans with Disabilities Act Contact the MBA HR & Legal Hotline at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or hrservices@mbausa.org.

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mbabizmag.com • FEBRUARY 2022

ON THE HILL | WORTH NOTING

Prescription Drug Pricing: How You Can Take Action to Control Costs Eileen Anderson is the director Government Relations for the Manufacturer & Business Association, which merged with SMC Business Councils in 2019. Contact her at 412/805-5707 or eileenanderson@mbausa.org. You may have heard of or know someone who takes an expensive prescription drug. It’s a lifesaver, improving both heath and quality of life — results that everyone wants. Health-care costs are a top concern for Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) members, and the MBA is diligently pursuing association health plans (AHP) to reduce premiums. However, reforming prescription drug pricing is elusive. Bill Lindsay of Lindsay 3 Consulting and past chair of the Colorado Commission on Affordable Health, and a colleague from the National Small Business Association, wrote “Efforts to Reform Pharmaceutical Pricing at the State and Federal Level.” The first sentences are eye-popping: “The effort to reduce the cost of pharmaceuticals is important because today pharmacy costs represent as much as 30 percent of the cost of health spending (i.e., as much as 30 percent of the cost of claims/ coverage). This is up from around 10 percent just 10 years ago. It is also the most rapidly rising component of health-care spending.”

FEBRUARY 2022 • mbabizmag.com

Last year, 89 percent of prescriptions were filled with lower-priced, generic drugs, but accounted for just 26 percent of total drug spending. Brand-name drugs accounted for the remaining 74 percent. They are more expensive because of the high costs to develop and bring a new drug to market. “Industry statistics indicate that it takes an average of $2.6 billion for a manufacturer to get a new drug from the laboratory to the market. The Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development notes that the time for this maturation can last up to 12 to 15 years and the approval rate by the FDA is less than 10 percent of those submitted for approval.” A company with a newly approved drug files for a patent prohibiting others from producing and selling the same medication for a set time period. “This is done to enable the manufacturer to recover their cost of development and research. Normally such patents grant exclusive use for 20 years … there are various ways that patents can be extended for up to five additional years.” Specialty Drugs are extraordinarily high-priced drugs designed to treat very serious illnesses or conditions. This is a growing area of pharmaceutical research and one of the reasons drug spending is increasing. The 10 most expensive drugs range between $2,125,000 and $678,392 per dose. What’s the answer to reform drug pricing? Is it negotiating drug prices with Medicare? Is it importing U.S. drugs from foreign countries? Several ideas gaining traction include:

• Enable states to regulate Pharmacy Benefit Managers to gain pricing transparency. • Allow states to regulate drug rebates so they are transparent. • Create a pharmacy purchasing pool allowing participating states to address concerns about safety of imported drugs. • Expand the scope of the Food and Drug Administration to include pricing. This could be especially important with the increasing development of Specialty Drugs. You Can Take Action Although your knowledge of prescription drugs may be limited to formulary tiers, consider a small but practical “solution.” With drug spending escalating, it is never too soon to learn to shop. GoodRX Discount Drug Coupons at http://www. goodrx.com/ can be used in place of insurance when the discounted drug is cheaper than the co-pay. The site features shopping for prescriptions by store and price. GoodRX collects and compares prices for every FDA-approved prescription drug at more than 70,000 U.S. pharmacies. Some drug companies have patient assistance programs and provide free medications for those unable to afford their medication. The RxAssist Patient Assistance Program Center, https://www. rxassist.org, explains how to use the programs to reduce medication costs and has a comprehensive database of assistance programs. Thank you, Bill!

SPECIAL SECTION | NETWORKING AND MORE The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) regularly hosts a variety of member engagement events in the region, including member briefings, legislative events and awards presentations. To learn about the latest happenings at the MBA, visit mbausa.org. 50th anniversar y e, Inc. in Erie, which marked its Congratulations to Perseus Hous ’s multi-facility e’s services have grown into today Hous us Perse 1971, Since in 2021. and girls in service with 92 beds housing boys court-ordered juvenile placement l, intensive or victim entia resid n icatio adjud postin shelter prior to adjudication or offender-specific treatment.

Fairview Evergreen Nurseries, Inc. in Fairview, Pennsylvania, celebrated its 110th year of operation last year. Fairview Evergreen Nurseries is a wholesale grower of top quality ornamental plant material, supplying many of the finest landscapers, re-wholesalers, and garden centers in the United States and Canada. The MBA recently hosted tour for the PA House Manufacturing Caucus with MBA member Ace Wire Spring & Form Co., Inc. with Pennsylvania’s State Representa tives Donna Oberlander, Valer ie Gaydos, Tim O’Neal and Dan Deas y attending.

in Erie marked its American Tinning & Galvanizing Erie-based company 90th anniversar y in 2021. The of metal with highis a leader in corrosion control ms. quality chemical processing syste

175 years! Hoffman Industrial / Starlite Group Inc. is one of America’s oldest rigging and machinery moving companies. The company was founded back in 1846 and received its milestone anniversary plaque from the MBA in late 2021.

mbabizmag.com • FEBRUARY 2022

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. Access to 24/7 virtual urgent care. Service from a designated Health Care Concierge. And digital 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.

Choose. Love. Repeat.

February 2022 Business Magazine

Articles inside

David Basnak, the new president / executive director of EmergyCare Inc discusses the importance of the nonprofit organization and its services in Erie and beyond.

Rethinking patient privacy: Information blocking

Prescription drug pricing:How you can take action to control costs

UPMC Hamot

Well-Being and Engagement