January 2014 Business Magazine

J anuar y2014

Power to build your business

You used to have a utility, now you have a choice. Choose expertise. Choose flexibility.

Since 2009, the Employers’ Energy Alliance of Pennsylvania, Inc. has helped hundreds of businesses of every size and type save more than $12 million on their electricity costs and ensured they maintain a competitive edge.

As part of the MBA, the EEAPA makes it simple to get the most out of your electricity service with flexible options like fixed, variable or blended plans – all powered by NRG Energy, Inc.

Contact Chuck Jenkins Employers’ Energy Alliance of Pennsylvania, Inc. cjenkins@mbausa.org or 1.814.833.3200 | 1.800.815.2660 Ext. 1933

NRG is a federally registered trademark of NRG Energy Inc. “Reliant” and “Reliant Energy” are federally registered trademarks of Reliant Energy Retail Holdings, LLC. (DE No. 7894, MD No. IR-2058, PA No. A-2010-2192350, DC No. EA-10-15, BPU No. ESL-0093, MA No. CS-072). NBS.1645

BUSINESS M A G A Z I N E Manufacturer & Business Association

VOLUME XXVII, NUMBER 1

New Career Readiness Program Helps Prepare Students for Work Force of Tomorrow / Page 10

JANUARY 2014

Career Street provides a vehicle for employers to offer quality career exploration opportunities to Erie County youth.

Career Street enables employers to share information about their company as well as career education opportunities by connecting with: • Schools, counselors and teachers • Non-profits • Erie County youth Through Career Street’s interactive and searchable website, businesses can post career education experiences such as hosting a company tour, speaking to a classroom, or working in partnership with schools to provide job shadowing and internships. The opportunities you create will be seen by educators seeking business involvement. Career Street staff will facilitate connecting your opportunity with schools and students.

Working together through Career Street, we can help to ensure that students are better prepared for life after school and that businesses can ultimately have access to talented, qualified workers.

Creating partnerships

Help us pave the way for a skilled and engaged workforce for years to come.

Contact Us: careerstreeterie.com careerstreet@ects.org 814.464.8600

10

January 2014

Blue Ocean Strategy Center

EDITORIAL > 7 / Health Matters

How employee assistance programs can positively impact your company’s bottom line.

SANDRA CAFFO

9 / Legal Brief Why legal compliance training and education are essential for all supervisors in your organization.

JOHN M. PERSINGER

SPECIAL SECTION > 20 / Milestone Anniversaries

Join us in congratulating the hundreds of Association member companies that are celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2014.

Happy Anniver

The Manufacture r & Business Associ ation would like Association memb to take this oppor er companies that tunity to recogn are celebrating represent the pinnac ize the hundreds milestone annive of le of the great achiev rsaries in 2014. ers of our comm revolutionize busine These organization unity — the entrep s ss and industry, reneurs — who open opportunitie live and work. Congr have helped to s for others and atulations on all shape the comm of your achievement unity in which s and best wishes we for your future 150 YEARS...First succes National Bank s! of Pennsylv Group, Stranahan Stranaha n&

Cline

ania, PNC Financial

Services

60 YEARS...Burhenn’s Pharmacy Inc., 140 YEARS...Eureka Carl E. Swanson 21 Canadohta Lake Realty, Corry & Sons Inc., Century Electrical Products Jamestown Credit Inc., Hart, McConah gineering Company Union, Custom y & Martz Inc. , Erdos Brothers EnInvestments, Gerald 130 YEARS...Erie Inc., Glenn Sand Business Center & Gravel, Inc., R. Fry Company Inc., J.B. Booth Golden Triangle of Erie Plastics, Herbert & Co., Saint Mary’s Motel, Haysite V. Hovis, High Reinforced Home Pressure Equipme Inc., Janitors Supply nt Company, Company Inc., Hiller’s Lynn, King, & Schreffler 120 YEARS...Anderson Machine Inc., Palmer , P.C., Niagara & Kime Inc., Baldwin Pools, Pennsylv Homes & Cremato ania Tool & Gages Stan’s Garden Center, Brothers, Inc., Brugger ry, Corry Journal, Witherup Funeral Fabrication & Erection Inc, Schry Water, Corry Memoria Inc. l Hospital, Kurtz Inc. Bros., 50 YEARS...Actco Tool & Manufac turing Company 110 YEARS...Roth opment Group, , Angelo’s Salon Cadillac, Joseph Automatic Turning DevelMcCormick Construct & Machining, Inc., hardt’s Agency, Inc., Hufnagel & Inc. ion Co., Inc., ReinMajors, Faull Fabricati ng, Construction Company Inc., Huston Group, Jackson Plumbing , Inc., Kebert 100 YEARS...Berenfield head Door, Metalife Kersey Tool & Die Company Inc., Meadville OverContainers Inc., Industries, Inc., Bennett Moving Heeter Lumber Paul Cantolina Metal Fabricati Company Inc., & Storage Inc., Trucking Inc., Pesce ng, Inc., Presque J. H. Wm. T. Spaeder Isle Wine Cellars ber Corporation, Company Inc. Inc., Superior Tire Venango Machine & RubProducts Inc., W. 90 YEARS...Griswold Inc., Whirley Industries C. Breakiron Jewelers Inc., Keywell L.L.C., Inc., White-Brook Organ Resource Lord Corporation, Inc., Young’s Tire s OSI Total Pipe 40 YEARS...Afton Trucking, Inc., Alcohol & Drug 80 YEARS...Greenfield Corporation of Abuse Services, America, Armstron Basket Factory, Inc., Aris g County Council ing, Inc., Parker’s Holt Ramsey Pump, er Drugs, Inc., on, Alcohol and Bestway Garage, R.N. Goss Martin TruckOthGas Agency, Inc., T. Inc., Bruce D. Johnson, Inc., Brooks Landscape Inc., Brooks L. Robertson Insurance Products Co., St. Marys Insurance Medical Arts, DMD, Buco Transport Group LLC ing, Calibration ation Inc., Burch Services Inc., Carlos Well DrillFlores MD PC, 75 YEARS...A. Anthony Imprint Systems, Connex CSI Construction & Sons, Inc., Colfax Services Inc., Danser Inc., Creative Transfer Inc., Georgino Hallman Chevrole Power Plant EFCU, t Inc., David F. Collision, Dave Industrial Supply E. D. Fee Dieteman, M.D. Laboratories Inc., Inc., Jefferson Poultry, David Potoker, Inc., Developac Thompson Maple Ed. D., Erie Center Inc., Seewald Inc., Dr. Products on tive, Inc. Health & Aging Company, Family Inc., Warren Electric Inc., Fairview Coal Chiropractic Center, CooperaRegion Credit Flickinger Auto Union, Gerg Tool Body, FranklinOil & Die Inc., J.D. 70 YEARS...Axeman-A Foundry Inc., M Clark Electric, Inc., & D Industries nderson Company Lincoln Inc., Marenchin’s Corporation, James Welding Company , Dimeling & Schrot Transmission, McShane H. Cross Company Inc., Medicor Associate Inc., Drafto , Philip Weiner Strong Mobile Homes, ity, Mike’s Super s Inc., Mid County and Company Market, Montgom Transit AuthorVan Air, Inc. , Ltd., ery Block Works Pharmacy, North/So Inc., Moshannon Valley uth Shenango Joint Municipa D.P.M., Samuel l, Ronald J. Wieczore C. Shialabba, Jr., D.M.D., Select-Tro k, n Industries Inc., Silk

FEATURES > 3 / Spotlight Balaji Rajagopalan, Ph.D., the new director of The Sam and Irene Black School of Business at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, shares his experience since joining the college in July 2013 and his goals for the business program going forward.

10 / The Center for Post-Secondary and Career Discovery Administrators, teachers, parents, students and employers explain how The Center for Post-Secondary and Career Discovery at Fort LeBoeuf High School is better preparing the work force of tomorrow by giving students the opportunity to synthesize their coursework with their future scholastic and career goals.

sary!

4 / Business Buzz 14 / HR Connection

25

17 / On the Hill

Screen Specialtie s Unlimited, Spring Hill Industries Inc., WD Mohney & Associates The Cheese House, paedic and Sports Medicine of Erie, Pacileos Great 30 YEARS...Abby Paper City Transfer, Lakes Motor Company Health Care, Inc., Inc., Penn Central , Advantage Mold Veterinary Hospital, son Refrigeration Door, LLC, Perseo-E & Design, Altmeyer & A/C American Turned rie Inc., PeterAppletree & Kern, Products, Ameripa Coatings Inc., REMAX Inc., Plastikos Inc., Premier Graphics, P.C., ATD Warehou c Industries Inc., Real Estate Group, LLC, R & D Civic Theatre, Bracken se, Baldauf Autobod Financial Inc., Sevin’s Ridgeview Gas & Oil Inc., Riggs y, Tire Service, Inc., Funeral Home Inc., Building Systems Inc., Barrow Jewelers Inc., Classic Skip Knoll Inc., Industrial, The Smock & Schontha Trading Post, WPSE Inc., Casa D’oro Tool Inc., Claw ler Inc., Cranberry Radio tractors & Design Foods Inc., Delta Inc., Diamond ConTool & Die, Douglas Inc., DWM Decision 20 YEARS...Accu-Chek E. Klein, Doutt Associates LLC, Tool, Electro-Tech, Inc., Inc., Executool Precision Corporation, Advance Machining, Inc., Advanced Polymer Erie Retinal Surgery Tooling Inc., Fire d Technolo Recycling gy Equipment, Inc., Jolly Trolley, Gallie’s Force Inc., Frank Hardwood Flooring, Allegheny Mountain Construction Inc./ Hallmark Shop, Americut Corporat Gary T. Brotherso dustries Inc., Glass B & R Tool & Die ion, Automotive n MD, Inc., Gaven Shops Inc., Greenville Inc., Biofab Products Excellence Inc., Inpressions, Gun World Metals, Inc., Greg Inc., Bomar Auto Inc., Bob Martin, Thomas Floor ExRepair, Bossard CLU Ins. Agency Inc., & Crawford, Inc., Flooring Co., Hubbard Hi-Tech Plating Co. Inc., HomerW Carini Restaura Cable Hardwoo nt, Champion ood Hardwood Bus Service, Inc., ds, Inc., Ford Sales, Inc., Inc., Jim Kriley Sales I. C. Electric, Inc., Health Care, Daniel ChipBlaster, Inc., J. Baur Machinin & Service Inc., K.C. J. Callahan, Jr., Coventry g, M.D., P.C., Dew Larson Inc., KDL Restaurant Mgmt.

Auto Service, Douglas, Services, Don Hick’s Industries, Kilarney Inc., Kreischer’s Joseph & Olson, Cabinetry, L.G.B. Systems & Services Painting Inc., Erie E. Long Holdings Retail Inc., Lake Inc., Langer Material Batteries, Alternato Inc., Elk Creek Erie Inc., Meadville rs Handling Lakes & Starters, Metal Finishing, , Inc., McClellan Frank Tucci Inc., Tool Grinding, Greenville Comfort Trucking, Meridien Hardwoo Great Michael J. Zima, Welding Inc., Holbein Systems, Hards ds of Pa., Inc., Jr. Public Accounta Fabrication and Inc., Hopkins Heltzel MHF Inc., nt, Momentum Builders Supply Chipping Inc., Life LLP, Kevin L. Kiefer, Therapeutics, Morrison Inc., Muscarella and Independence Keystone & Son Inc., North Tooling Co. Inc., for Today, LTL Food Service LTD, East Foundry, Properties Inc., Ongley Hardwoo Mane Attractio Nu-Tec MAM ds Inc., Paul E. n Hair Inc., Phoenix Data Cormick Structura Shok, D.M.D., M.D.S., Inc., Pine Valley l Systems Inc., Meadville Studio Inc., Manor Motel, McPHB Nursery, Potter chining Company dart, Inc., North Emergency Physician Masonry, Precision , Priest Enterprise Fork Rehab Inc., s PC, MeMas Inc., Profession Northstar Construct Tool & Die, Inc., Insurance Services, al Cycle Inc., Progressiv Protek Metals ion Inc., Northwe P & G Physical Inc., Racoh Products e st Therapy, Inc., Paragon Jr. Excavating, Inc., Phaztech, Inc., RO-SUCO Inc., Ray Showma Inc., Pine Haven Veterinar Print Systems Inc., Sesler and n Guidance Center, Precision Compact y Clinic, Pirrello Sesler, Sybert’s Tri-State Video ed Components Enterprises Inc., Garage, The Services Inc., Trott Inc., Precision Polymers Vermeer Sales Profiles Inc., Presque Concrete Contracto & Service, Inc., , Inc., Precision Isle Partnership, W D Kerr & Sons, rs, Inc., West Lake Emergency Medical Pro Tech Machinin Waterproofing Car Wash, Wilson g, Inc., Quality Services Inc., Romolo Specialties Electric Inc., Wise prises Inc., Wright’s corporated, Schnoch Chocolates Inc., Mining Co., Wist Garage Inc. Sagewood InCorp., Secondar Entery Development Cardiology Specialist & Research, Sharon s, Slippery Rock 25 YEARS...A.M.S. Materials Inc., Steve ing & Heating Inc., The Robson Electronics Inc., Newell PlumbCo. Inc., Town & AccuSpec Electronic Business Computin Valcomi Inc., W. Country Generato s LLC, Advance L. Winkle Engineeri g Services Inc, Advance rs LLC, d ng Co. Inc., Warren cel Inc., Baron Western Auto d Cast Products, Heating & Air ACE Hardware Plastics Mfg. Co., Amatech/PolyConditioning Co., Group, BLX, Inc., Bay Valley Foods, Burford Construct Anniversary information Betres ion, Butts Auto Chad Wise Trucking, is based on member or omissions. Please & Truck Service, records as of October Champion Ford Inc., 800/815-2660 with contact the Manufacturer & 2013. We regret Inc., Contact Technolo Edinboro, Clarion Business Association any errors updated information Wood Products, gies Inc., Coppola at 814/833-3200 for inclusion in or curity and Investiga future publication Enterprises Inc., s.

CSI Corporate tion, SeMachine Inc., Diversifie CSR Enterprise Networks, Curtis Oil, Inc., Davis d Coatings Inc., Inc., Dunhuntin Diversified Manufac Machine Shop, turing Systems, Inc., Electronic Commun Erie Aviation Inc., ication Services Ford City Riverside Inc., , Fringe Benefit Weaver & Son LLC, Great Lakes Services Inc., Glenn Construction, Greiner H.W.C. Inc., HC HoodCo, Inc., Himes Extrusion US Inc., Machine Inc., Housekn & Tool Co. Inc., Interim Personne echt’s Machine l of Western PA Auto Parts & Sales, Inc., J & J Sauer John L. Jarzab, Southern CPA, Junior Coal Wood Products Contracting, Inc., Inc., Luton’s Plumbing Kosko , Heating & A/C, Water & Sewer Authority, McGhee Lycoming County Scrap Company Inc., Metaltech, , Mercer Auto Inc., Metkote Laminate Parts d Products Inc., es LLC, Michael Metrobrand ServicJ. Rahner Family Dentistry, Muddy Creek Leasing, Ortho-

DEPARTMENTS >

4

Lori Joint, the Association’s director of Government Affairs, unveils the new mba-ga.org website and how it will help employers stay abreast of the most pressing legislative issues affecting their businesses.

18 / HR Q&A 24 / People Buzz

Read on the Go! For the most current Business Magazine updates, visit our website, www.mbabizmag.com, fan us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

January 2014 > www.mbabizmag.com > 1

FIRM. firm (fûrm) Adjective: Constant; Steady; Securely or Solidly Fixed in Place Verb: To Give Additional Support To Synonym: MacDonald Illig

Usage: MacDonald Illig is the firm that Western Pennsylvanians have trusted for over a century.

100 State Street • Suite 700 • Erie, PA 16507 • MacDonaldIllig.com • 814-870-7600

SPOTLIGHT > Balaji Rajagopalan, Ph.D. is the new director of The Sam and Irene Black School of Business at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. The school, which is accredited by AACSB International, the premier accrediting agency for business schools, is listed in U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Business Schools and Princeton Review’s Best 300 Business Schools. Dr. Rajagopalan recently spoke to the Business Magazine about his experience since joining the college in July 2013 and his goals for the business program going forward.

You recently served as pro vice chancellor and dean at Galgotias University in Greater Noida, India and previously as a professor of management information systems at Oakland University in Michigan. What attracted you to Penn State Behrend’s Black School of Business?

I am fortunate to have had exceptional experiences at Oakland University’s School of Business and more recently, at a fast-growing private university — Galgotias University in India. My experiences at both institutions gave me important insights needed to create and execute a vision for a business school. Two factors played a critical role in my decision to take on the leadership role at Penn State Behrend: 1) The vision for Penn State Behrend to be globally known for encouraging interdisciplinary education and innovation, through the open lab concept, is aligned perfectly with my interests. 2) The Sam and Irene Black School of Business has a strong reputation in the region and its world-class faculty has the potential to make the school nationally and internationally known.

You have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, master’s degree in management systems, and extensive experience in partnering with such highprofile companies as IBM, Ford, GM and Daimler Chrysler on research and consulting. How do you see this experience benefiting your role as the head of Behrend’s business program?

Throughout my career I have established substantial working relationships with firms — small and large. At the institutional level, I can take this experience to expand and create relationships with industry that will lead to relevant industry projects for students and faculty in the Black School of Business. I envision the creation of a center to serve as a hub for “learning by doing,“ supported by cross-disciplinary education and industry engagement.

Chancellor Donald Birx, Ph.D. said that your arrival would help advance the direction of the business school’s open lab concept where students, faculty members and employers collaborate on new products, programs and processes.

Tell us more about the open lab and why it is so critical to global competitiveness.

The open lab concept is based on the fundamental belief that institutions like Penn State Behrend are positioned well to drive economic development by creating and supporting an entrepreneurial ecosystem. The concept of the open lab, which brings together deep expertise in an area (faculty and industry experts), the context for the problems that serve as the seed for innovation (industry), agents that support problem solving (students), and the community, aims to spur innovation. Research has established, beyond any doubt, the immense value of universities in creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Penn State Behrend aspires to be among the best in supporting this vision.

What do you need from area employers to see these plans be successful?

To begin, I would like to encourage companies of all sizes to engage with us. The initial engagement meeting will open the lines of communication between Penn State Behrend and the company. Discussions on what type of a model will best serve both the company and Penn State Behrend can follow. Employers can also hear and see firsthand how companies are leveraging their relationships with us.

How can area employers get involved if they don’t already have a relationship with PSU? They can call my office at 814/868-6173.

You’ve been in your new leadership position for six months. What is your vision for the business school in the near future?

We are in the exciting phase of building a vision for the school. Some of the key underpinnings of the vision are: a business education that is based on learning by doing through student startup ventures, internships, and industry projects; leveraging the strong partnership with the School of Engineering to continue to build and support integrated business-engineering programs; and designing and building cross-disciplinary programs.

Contact: Karen Torres

VOL. X X VII, NO. 1 JANUARY 2014 Manufacturer & Business Association Board of Governors

Joel Berdine John Cline Dale Deist Bill Hilbert Jr. Mark Hanaway Donald Hester Timothy Hunter Paul Kenny J. Gordon Naughton Dennis Prischak Sue Sutto

Editor in Chief

Ralph Pontillo rpontillo@mbausa.org

Executive Editor

Managing Editor & Senior Writer

Contributing Writers

John Krahe jkrahe@mbausa.org Karen Torres ktorres@mbausa.org Sandy Caffo John M. Persinger

Photography

Rob Frank R. Frank Photography 814/520-3985 www.rfrankphotography.com

Advertising Sales

Patty Welther 814/833-3200 pwelther@mbausa.org

Jessica McMathis

Additional Design

Design, Production Printing Concepts Inc. & Printing printcon@erie.net

ON THE COVER: Fort LeBoeuf High School has established The Center for Post-Secondary and Career Discovery designed specifically for career exploration and readiness. For full story, see page 10.

Mission Statement The Manufacturer & Business Association is dedicated to providing information and services to its members that will assist them in the pursuit of their business and community interests.

– Board of Governors Manufacturer & Business Association 2171 West 38th Street Erie, Pa. 16508 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660 www.mbausa.org © Copyright 2014 by the Manufacturer & Business Association.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial, pictorial or advertisements created for use in the Business Magazine, in any manner, without written permission from the publisher, is prohibited.

Unsolicited manuscripts cannot be returned unless accompanied by a properly addressed envelope bearing sufficient postage. The magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork.

The Business Magazine and Manufacturer & Business Association do not specifically endorse any of the products or practices described in the magazine. The Business Magazine is published monthly by the Manufacturer & Business Association, 2171 West 38th Street, Erie, Pa. 16508. Phone: 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660.

January 2014 > www.mbabizmag.com > 3

Business Buzz VNET OFFICE TECHNOLOGY MAKEOVER WINNERS ANNOUNCED Velocity Network (VNET) recently announced the winners of its first Office Technology Makeover program — Grapevine Laundry & Linens (for profit) and the Erie County Historical Society (nonprofit). Both companies won a $25,000 technology makeover from VNET. Owned by Mary Beth Graml, Grapevine Laundry & Linens, with locations in Erie and Millcreek Township, provides linen service to hotels, restaurants and medical offices, rent/sell uniforms and also offers regular dry-cleaning and wash-andfold laundry services.

From left: VNET CEO Joel Deuterman; Mary Beth Graml of Grapevine Laundry and Linens; and Matt Wiertel, director of Business Development at Velocity, at the award ceremony at the Manufacturer & Business Association Conference Center.

The Erie County Historical Society, led by Executive Director Caleb Pifer, is an organization dedicated to the preservation, interpretation and presentation of the history of Erie and adjacent regions including Lake Erie and its maritime traditions.

Velocity Network, headquartered in Millcreek Township, has been serving the Erie area since 1990, providing IT Support, such as technical helpdesk support, computer support and consulting, to small and medium-sized businesses.

For more information, visit www.velocitynetwork.net.

From left: Velocity’s Matt Wiertel; Caleb Pifer, executive director of the Erie County Historical Society; and VNET’s Deuterman at the award presentation at the Bayfront Convention Center.

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www.eriefcu.org 11/26/13 11:44 PM

DEPARTMENTS > Contact: Karen Torres

AMERICAN TINNING & GALVANIZING EARNS SELECT ACCREDITATION In recognition of a nearly flawless audit of its metal finishing processes, American Tinning & Galvanizing (ATG) has earned the select “Supplier Merit“ status from the National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program (NADCAP).

The NADCAP establishes global standards for all supplier processes related to the aerospace industry, from engines and braking systems to the paint used for lettering on the outside of a plane. NADCAP certification is required of any supplier works for aerospace manufacturers.

According to Robin Scheppner, ATG president and managing owner, the NADCAP accreditation covers ATG’s zinc and cadmium electroplating as well as its chromic and sulfuric acid anodizing processes. ATG’s quality system also is certified.

has helped us to attract new customers from across the nation and drive our growth during the past eight years.“

Litigation-Defendants. Additionally, the firm received a Tier 3 national ranking in Environmental Law.

Founded in 1931 in Erie, Pennsylvania, American Tinning & Galvanizing Company (ATG) specializes in the corrosion control of metal, steel and aluminum by providing “finishing“ services. ATG’s metal finishing processes include hot dip galvanizing.

Firms included in the 2014 “Best Law Firms“ list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers.

For more information, visit www.galvanizeit.com.

MACDONALD ILLIG RANKED IN 2014 ’BEST LAW FIRMS’

For more information, visit www.macdonaldillig.com.

HIGH PRESSURE EQUIPMENT CELEBRATES NEW FACILITY

The law firm of MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton, LLP has been ranked in the 2014 “Best Law Firms“ list by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®.

MacDonald Illig has been recognized as a Tier 1 firm in the Pittsburgh Metropolitan region in four practice areas including Commercial Litigation, Environmental Law, Litigation-Construction, and Trusts “NADCAP certification enables us to serve & Estates Law. The firm also received major aerospace providers such as Bell three Tier 2 rankings in the Pittsburgh Helicopter, Sikorsky, Moog, Grumman, Metropolitan region for Insurance Law, Cutting Dynamics, LORD and Acutec,“ said Austin_MBAAds2012v2_Layout 6/13/12 8:56 AM Page 2 Litigation-Environmental, and Personal Injury Scheppner.

“The NADCAP seal of1 approval

High Pressure Equipment Company, a leading manufacturer of specialty valves for high pressure applications, recently celebrated the opening of their new, expanded manufacturing plant at an open house in Erie. The facility is located at 2955 West 17th Street. Visit www.HighPressure.com.

The Austin Difference

HEALTHCARE • EDUCATION • INSTITUTIONAL • RETAIL & HOSPITALITY • INDUSTRIAL • CONCRETE

Contractors & Construction Managers Since 1906 Erie, Pennsylvania • Jamestown, New York www.eeaustin.com

Every day E.E. Austin lays its tradition of construction excellence on the line. Our extensive list of satisfied clients is testimony to Austin keeping its longstanding promise: “Do the right thing... all the time”.

It’s a promise we’ve kept with pride for more than a century... and it’s our promise to you. It’s the Austin Difference.

January 2014 > www.mbabizmag.com > 5

Technology-Driven Market Intelligence Analyzing the benefits and potential market impact, we provide focused market intelligence for client-specific technology innovations.

Introducing an existing product into an unknown market? Introducing a new product into a known market?

Drawing upon our extensive relationships and the expertise of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and RTI International, the Northwest Industrial Resource Center can help you understand the potential and opportunities of your technology innovations.

As part of our new Technology-Driven Market Intelligence services, we research and assess your technology innovation so that market entry points, potential customer applications, trends, and competitive threats are identified within your marketplace.

Contact Gerry Schneggenburger, gschneggs@nwirc.org (814) 898-6891, for more information. www.nwirc.org

EDITORIAL > By Sandra Caffo

Health Matters Employee Assistance Programs Positively Impact Your Bottom Line The modern employee assistance program — or, EAP — is an employersponsored benefit designed to support the achievement of employer health and productivity goals. EAPs also have evolved to become a strategic partner to maximize the human capital of an organization.

An EAP’s main goal is to resolve problems before they interfere with work attendance or productivity. And in performing that task, EAPs have a positive impact on a company’s bottom line.

The potential payoff of an EAP is evidenced by a study that found that for every dollar spent in a typical EAP, there was a return of $5.17 to $6.47 in increased work productivity. The study also showed that 80 percent of costs from lost productivity were associated with presenteeism, which is when an employee is at work, but is not productive, largely because of personal problems.

EAPs employ behavioral health experts who can provide short-term coaching and counseling that focuses on problem resolution. The goal with all EAP services is to resolve problems before they interfere with work attendance or productivity. EAPs also consult with supervisors to better manage those valued workers whose productivity plummets.

How EAPs Enhance Value Supervisors may be able to spot a troubled employee and express concern, but typically they are not equipped to work out a plan of action to address the problem.

Many supervisors would argue — correctly — that performing that function is not part of their job description. That’s where an EAP can step in. An EAP can provide consultation to both the manager and the employee to develop a plan.

EAP consultants are able to guide leaders at all levels to shift their focus to management strategies that will make a difference in an employee’s job performance. With an EAP management consultant, leaders learn how to coach employees toward improved performance while holding them accountable for negative patterns of behavior.

Because EAPs are able to provide services that consider all the occupational and non-occupational factors that affect job performance, EAPs are able to increase the value of an organization’s investment in its work force. They achieve this in several ways: • By increasing employee engagement and improving productivity, morale and workplace harmony.

• By focusing on building the capacity of employees and their dependents to successfully respond to life’s personal and work-related challenges.

• By providing coaching and consultation that helps leadership, managers and supervisors increase the skills to effectively address difficult employee situations and tailoring programs and initiatives for key work-force groups to meet specific needs.

How an EAP Mitigates Business Risks • Supervisor consultation helps to build action plans and handle new or complicated employee situations, from incompatible employees to work-force reductions.

• Onsite trainings focus on staff development and skill building in areas such as stress management, customer service and multigenerational teams.

• Intervention that supports those managing the situation and the employees and others impacted by it when an organization has a traumatic incident like an accident or death.

A Measurable Difference A federal occupational health study of more than 60,000 workers using EAP services over a three-year period found statistically significant improvement from pre- to post-EAP intervention for six identified measures related to work productivity. These include: employees’ emotional problems; employees’ physical health; the interference of physical or emotional issues on work and social relationships; perceived health status; job attendance and/or tardiness; and global assessment of functioning. In short, the benefits of EAPs are measurable and these measures can be used to select an effective EAP and to gauge its performance and determine its return on investment.

For more information about EAPs and businesses, visit http://www. lifesolutionsforyou.com/index.html.

Sandra Caffo is senior director for LifeSolutions, an affiliated company of UPMC WorkPartners.

UPMC WorkPartners is part of the UPMC Insurance Services Division, which also includes: UPMC Health Plan, UPMC for Life, UPMC for You, UPMC for You Advantage, UPMC for Kids, Community Care Behavioral Health, EBenefit Solutions, and Askesis Development Group.

January 2014 > www.mbabizmag.com > 7

Trust and expertise: wise choices when choosing an energy supplier.

Trust and expertise are critical when choosing an energy supplier. We’ve helped hundreds of MBA members, businesses of every size and type, save more than 10 million dollars on their electricity costs. And we can help you too.

It’s energy savings made simple.

Contact Chuck Jenkins

814.833.3200

cjenkins@mbausa.org

NRG is a federally registered trademark of NRG Energy Inc. “Reliant” and “Reliant Energy” are federally registered trademarks of Reliant Energy Retail Holdings, LLC. (DE No. 7894, MD No. IR-2058, PA No. A-2010-2192350, DC No. EA-10-15, BPU No. ESL-0093, MA No. CS-072). NBS.1645

The Regional Career & Technical Center is a leading provider of quality career and technical training programs for adults.

We offer a variety of courses, affordable tuition, convenient class schedules and customized training programs.

More than 120 short-term technical classes available in: Automotive Technologies Business & Management Commercial Truck Driving Computer Training Construction Trades Drafting & Design HVAC

Industrial Technologies Insurance Specialist Manufacturing Technologies Medical Technologies Oil & Gas Technician Welding Special Interest

RCTC is your training partner and more…

• Dozens of companies pay their employee’s tuition for RCTC classes • Customized training programs to meet specific company needs in welding, blueprint reading and other manufacturing skills • Partnerships with apprenticeship programs • Services for adults interested in non-traditional occupations • The region’s primary training site for PA Automotive Safety & Emissions Inspections • ISO 9001:2008 Certified

Term III classes begin the week of January 20.

Register for classes January 2 – 10.

Visit www.ects.org/rctc for a complete course schedule or call 814.464.8601 for more information.

8500 Oliver Road • Erie, PA 16509 The RCTC is a division of the Erie County Technical School, an equal opportunity educational institution.

8 < www.mbabizmag.com < January 2014

Legal Brief

EDITORIAL > By John M. Persinger

Legal and Compliance Training and Education for Supervisors With the new year come new challenges for each and every organization. To address some of these challenges, no doubt you are devising training or educational initiatives for your workers. Supervisors should also receive training to help them in their jobs. Here are four areas in which every supervisor should be trained.

1) Harassment Every employer should have a written policy that explicitly prohibits harassment.

Supervisors should understand what constitutes harassment. They should know that harassment is not limited to sexual harassment, but also includes harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, and disability. They should be able to recognize prohibited conduct and understand what amounts to retaliation.

Supervisors should know the procedures for handling reports and instances of harassment. They should be prepared to investigate and act swiftly, impartially, and judiciously.

2) Family and Medical Leave Act Every employer should evaluate whether they are required to comply with the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA“), and supervisors should be trained accordingly.

If an employee requests leave, supervisors should be able to refer that employee to human resources to determine whether that employee is eligible for coverage.

Supervisors should generally know how much leave the FMLA allows and for what specific reasons. They should make sure that the employee provides the proper notice.

If the employee takes leave, supervisors should understand the employer’s obligations regarding the employee’s pay, health benefits, overtime and job protection. They should also understand how the FMLA affects other personnel policies, such as “Perfect Attendance Awards.“ They should determine whether certification from the employee’s healthcare provider is needed.

Employers and supervisors must also understand their FMLA obligations,

including what notices they must provide and when and how they must provide these notices.

3) Hiring, Maintaining, and Terminating the Employment Relationship Every employer, whether growing or maintaining a work force, should understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding each stage of the employment relationship.

When hiring new employees, supervisors should know what topics, such as familial background, disabilities, and arrest or conviction records, can be discussed on a job application or in an interview.

For current employees, supervisors should understand what is permitted or prohibited by the employee handbook. They should be trained on knowing and enforcing all safety policies. Supervisors should understand their responsibilities for dealing with any work-related injuries. They should also recognize their obligations pursuant to any Americans with Disabilities Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, and Workers’ Compensation claims.

Supervisors need to know their role when disciplining employees. They must understand what common law, contractual and statutory limitations, regarding disciplining employees, exist.

They should know and follow any disciplinary procedures outlined in the employee handbook.

If it comes to separation, then supervisors must know what the employee handbook or collective bargaining agreement says regarding termination. Supervisors should consult the employee’s personnel file prior to taking any permanent action. They should weigh all of the risks regarding termination and be prepared for the impact a termination may have on the work force.

4) Positive Employee Relationships Maintaining a positive relationship with employees is a key to any successful organization. To achieve this standard, supervisors should recognize how to address any employee concerns, especially any concerns about management.

Supervisors should know the protections afforded to employees under the National Labor Relations Act. They should understand why employees might pursue unionization. They should know what they are legally permitted to do or say, in the event that there is a union- organizing campaign.

If your work force is already organized, supervisors should understand the employers’ obligations under the collective bargaining agreement.

Success and Responding to Challenges in 2014 It is inevitable that your organization will face some unique challenges in 2014.

To ensure that the challenges do not arise from a mismanaged work force, all supervisors should be trained in at least these four areas. However, employers must be aware that there are many more topics on which supervisors should receive training. To better understand these topics and others, consult a member of our Labor and Employment Group. We wish you the best of success in 2014.

For more information, please contact John Persinger at MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP at 814/870-7702 or jpersinger@mijb.com.

John Persinger is an associate with MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP and a former White House staffer. He represents individuals, businesses and nonprofits in their dealings with federal, Commonwealth and local government entities.

January 2014 > www.mbabizmag.com > 9

New Career Readiness Program Helps Pre

Debbie Humphreys, chairperson of the Discovery Center’s School of Business, Management, Marketing and Technology, teaches students about marketing strategies used by businesses in the highly competitive restaurant industry.

As a parent and alumnus of Fort LeBoeuf High School, Bob Oberlander ’89 is actively involved in the district and his former high school.

However, as president and owner of SwissAero, a Waterford, Pennsylvaniabased contract manufacturer, he is all too familiar with the skills gap that plagues businesses across the country and those close to home.

A recent survey by the PA Chamber of Business and Industry shows an overwhelming 72 percent of companies have difficulty hiring employees with adequate skills, training or education. More than half of the businesses found it increasingly difficult to find qualified employees during the last five years and expect the problem to get worse over the next five years.

The difference maker for employers like SwissAero is that they are becoming increasingly involved in industry-educational partnerships, such as The Center for Post-Secondary and Career Discovery at Fort LeBoeuf, a new program designed to better prepare students for the work force of tomorrow. The Discovery Center is designed to give high school students within this district of 2,126 the opportunity to synthesize current academic coursework with their future scholastic and career goals.

For some students, this may mean a college or university. For others, a technical school or certification program.

“Society has gotten to the level where it believes that everyone has to go to college no matter if you are qualified or not,“ explains Oberlander.

“Then they find out that college isn’t really for them and there are plenty of successful people out there that enjoy the benefits working in the trade skill professions.

“My point is getting to that level of interest at an earlier age is a great thing,“ he continues. “No one wants to go to college as ’undecided’ because it can be such a waste of hard-earned credits and money. When you can be focused on a path at an early age, it takes a lot of that out of the equation for free in high school.“ Mark Munsee, an educator for more than 23 years and chairperson of the Discovery Center’s School of Pre-Engineering, Manufacturing and Industrial Technology, says the goal of the program is to make students aware of the positions available and the skills set they are going to need to get there.

“You aren’t going to graduate from here and all of a sudden be a professional CNC operator,“ he notes, “but we are trying to open their eyes to expose them to a lot of things that they might not otherwise realize.“ Debbie Humphreys, chairperson of the Discovery Center’s School of Business, Management, Marketing and Technology, sees the program 10 < www.mbabizmag.com < January 2014

from both the educational and business perspective. She started her professional career in Human Resources before becoming an educator at Fort LeBoeuf where she has been for the past six years.

“I’ll use the analogy of waste. If we look at education as our job and our product is educating these students, then we are trying to minimize waste,“ she says. “These students are now going to know what steps they need to do to get to a certain career instead of going to college for a year and deciding they don’t like it and dropping out.“ A New Chapter The idea for the Discovery Center began more than two years ago when administrators and guidance counselors asked students what they wanted to do after graduation. A majority of students named the same general careers they had seen on TV — police officer, doctor or lawyer — without any real formal career exploration.

“There are so many exciting options that are out there,“ says Principal Martin Rimpa, “but we had to figure out how we go about informing them and educating them about all the options that they have in front of them.“ The new Discovery Center is based on the American School Counselor Association’s National Model, a framework for a comprehensive, data-driven school-counMartin Rimpa seling program. Fort LeBoeuf introduced Principal the program to its 2013-2014 freshman class, with the chance to participate in one of six unique schools: Communications and Performing and Visual Arts; Business, Management, Marketing and Technology; Pre-Engineering, Manufacturing and Industrial Technology; Pre-Medicine and Health Science; Pre-Law and Human Services; and, Natural Resources and Agri-Science.

Within each school, courses are designed specifically for career readiness and exploration in suggested fields. “We want the kids to start making a real connection between why they are working on this homework assignment or why they are studying this particular concept in class to the fact that they could apply it to a career,“ Rimpa explains.

During their freshman year, students work with peer mentors to determine their school assignment. Students then narrow their choice to two of three schools during their sophomore year, so that by junior year they can participate in job shadowing, apprenticeships or internships that can continue into their senior year.

epare Students for Work Force of Tomorrow

Through music and art classes, the School of Communications and Performing and Visual Arts gives students the chance to explore classes designed for careers in such fields as public relations, radio, TV and advertising.

For instance, students in the School of Pre-Medicine can participate in labs at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and Gannon University. Students in Pre-Engineering can work with local manufacturing companies like SwissAero, SEPCO-Erie and LORD Corporation.

An advisory board — comprised of representatives from employers like the Manufacturer & Business Association, Erie Insurance, LORD, SwissAero, North Coast Foot & Ankle and LECOM — assists with curriculum development and helps identify careers and skills that are in demand.

One successful example is the industry partnership Fort LeBoeuf developed for its pre-engineering class. Administrators invited several of its residents who were engineers to meet with them about long-term plans to create a pre-engineering lab. The feedback helped shape the curriculum and the class now has a CNC router and laser engraver. They also recently added a 3-D printer, donated by SwissAero, and this combination gives students exposure to real-world technology in a classroom setting.

Mark Munsee, chairperson of the School of Pre-Engineering, Manufacturing and Industrial Technology, and student Ryan Oberlander review some of the design and drafting software being used in the high school’s pre-engineering class. The coursework is designed to give students exposure to the real-world technology used by manufacturers today.

be doing on working on these soft skills.“ Bison Ambassadors Administrators say peer mentoring also is playing a significant role in the Discovery Center with mentors, known as “Bison Ambassadors,“ working with students throughout orientation and their formative high school years.

“We recognize the value and what kind of impact peer mentoring can have,“ says Rimpa. “That is why we want to have those students see those kids. They have been inspired to go out and achieve not only by their teachers and the people around here, but also the students that went before them.“ Senior ambassadors Nate Conti, for example, is not only captain of Fort

“When we developed our pre-engineering course a couple of years ago, part of our reasoning was to open these kids’ eyes to the field of engineering,“ Munsee notes. “I am trying to encourage them, if that reaffirms what they want to do, or head them off before they go in the wrong direction.“ This exploration process can be critical to fill what many industry experts describe as “middle-skills“ jobs — jobs that require more than high-school diploma, but not a four-year degree, and which make up the largest part of America’s labor market.

“You may not want to be an engineer, but learning how to read a blueprint at an earlier age is a very useful tool for someone who may want to be a machinist or a programmer some day,“ says Oberlander.

Meanwhile, the School of Business introduces students to the Americans for a Competitive Enterprise System’s wildly successful Business Week Program, an entrepreneur class and Functional Fridays presentations, where representatives from a variety of industries talk about how they got started in their careers and the educational paths they followed. The curriculum also places a strong emphasis on developing soft skills, such as general work ethic and behavior including reporting on time, following instructions, performing assignments and being reliable.

“The message that I am hearing from employers is that we need these students to have job skills but the No. 1 thing that they need is a good attitude. No. 2 is good communication,“ says Humphreys, “so even in my computer career prep class, we have a whole section that we are going to

• Helps students explore the world, as well as their interests, strengths and weaknesses.

• Prepares students who are entering the 21st century global economy.

• Makes students aware that different occupations exist.

• Better guides students in setting career goals.

• Connects challenging high school curriculum to future career choices.

• Prepares graduates for future careers.

January 2014 > www.mbabizmag.com > 11

Larissa Cass, Holley Engel and Leah Kleiner measure muscle fatigue and temporal movement during anatomy and physiology class. The course is one of the many offerings students, who are interested in future medical careers, may take through the School of Pre-Medicine and Health Science.

The School of Natural Resources and Agri-Science prepares students for future careers in fields such as agriculture, geology and meteorology. Students recently took a trip to Cook Forest State Park for a hands-on lesson in forestry.

LeBoeuf’s football team but also aspires to be an aerospace engineer > and one day work for NASA, while Kacey Bengel, a soccer player and active member of National Honor Society and class council, plans to run for political office and recently won a contest where she traveled to several states and the United Nations in New York.

Caden Gilson, also a senior, and a volleyball player, plans to apply to the University of Pittsburgh’s pre-medicine program and major in molecular biology and then go to medical school to pursue pediatric cardiothoracic surgery. He has done a number of job shadows, including at UPMC Magee Women’s Hospital and at UPMC Hamot.

“I think it is extremely important for any student to have an idea of what they want to do in life before they pursue it, therefore, they can set up class schedules and job shadow opportunities and research what they want to do,“ says Gilson. “The Center for Post-Secondary and Career Discovery is really going to push individuals here at Fort LeBoeuf and shape what they want to do and have that competitive edge.“ Job Shadowing According to Peggy Heynoski, coordinator of Career Aid, job shadowing — which has been offered for the past 15 years — is now a critical component of the new program.

The evaluation process helps guide students in what they want to do

Breann Mello engages students in a debate during a political science class. The School of Pre-Law and Human Services allows students to take coursework that will prepare them for careers in government, education and the legal system.

and where they need to improve. “I can tell you out of the hundreds of job shadows that we have done in these past years they have said, ’I will try harder in my classes.’ I think that they learn that from their mentors because they are evaluated by their mentors,“ she says. “Some of the kids get so excited, they don’t know what they are doing and it is so new to them because they are used to having their parents with them.“ Dr. Jason Crilley, DPM has five children in the Fort LeBoeuf School District, where he is also president of the middle school Parent-Teacher Organization. When he first learned about the idea for the Discovery Center, his was reaction was that the program “sounded phenomenal for a public high school.“ As president and partner of North Coast Foot and Ankle P.C., a general podiatric practice based in Erie, he understands the importance of career exploration and job shadowing at the high school level. He also knows the business of health care and the different careers that are available in the health-care field.

“The nice thing about this program is that it is not only geared toward the student who wants to be a doctor or a nurse,“ he says. “It is going to cover all the aspects of health care from someone who maybe wants to graduate high school and go into a clerical field right away or go to a tech school to be a medical assistant, or earn their associate degree as a licensed registered nurse.“ In fact, one of Dr. Crilley’s own job-shadow success stories is that of Fort LeBoeuf graduate Kristen Heard who spent time in his medical office in her senior year and college. She ultimately went to the same podiatric medical school as Dr. Crilley and now is a resident at Millcreek Community Hospital.

“She spent six or seven times in my office and realized it was what she wanted to do and now she is in the same career field and it is wonderful,“ he says.

Business and Industry Community Partners Here are some of the community partners that administrators credit for supporting and influencing The Center for Post-Secondary and Career Discovery at Fort LeBoeuf: • Allegheny College — Creek Connections • Ashley Physical Therapy & Kuzma Photomedicine • Americans for the Competitive Enterprise System • ArtsErie • Edinboro University • Erie Business Law • Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership • Erie Insurance • Highmark • Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine • North Coast Foot & Ankle, P.C. • Office of State Senator Sean D. Wiley • Penn State Erie, The Behrend College • Penn State Extension • Stan’s Garden Center • SwissAero • UPMC Hamot 12 < www.mbabizmag.com < January 2014

Dr. Crilley believes the Discovery Center will benefit the region because, ultimately, it is going to produce employees who know what they want to do, and are driven in the field that they want to be in. “This is going to open the door for employers to see these people and say, ’I have known this girl or boy since they were 17 or 18 and watch them go through their training and know they are going to be a good employee.’ “ Model for Excellence Administrators say the enthusiasm and support for the Discovery Center is infectious.

Fort LeBoeuf was a featured guest at a roundtable discussion at Gannon University this summer and recently was a guest presenter at the Pennsylvania School Counselors Association 58th annual conference in Hershey. The high school also is looking at partnering with neighboring General McLane High School on its WIN program, a job placement tool that would provide information and educate students and parents about the family-sustaining careers available — now and in the next five years — right in their own backyard.

“We recognize that our customers are our kids and our residents and we want to do everything we can to provide an opportunity to be successful and move toward contributing positively to the community,“ Rimpa states.

“Our advisory board members and our business and industry community partners are really the ones that are guiding us and directing us toward getting kids excited about their future careers.“ For more information about The Center for Post-Secondary and Career Discovery or to become a community or business partner, visit https://sites. google.com/a/fortleboeuf.net/cpscd/home.

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HR Connection RETAINING FUTURE LEADERS KEY CONCERN FOR HR EXECUTIVES According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Workplace Forecast, employee retention and recruitment are some of the greatest concerns that HR professionals will face over the next 10 years.

SURVEY: EMPLOYERS SPENDING MORE ON TRAINING Learning and development spending is on the rise, according to a survey conducted by Chief Learning Officer (CLO) magazine.

More than one-half of HR professionals think that retaining and rewarding the best employees (59 percent) and developing the next generation of corporate leaders (52 percent) will be the greatest challenges.

According to CLO, about half of the organizations surveyed reported an increase in their learning and development spending this year while also projecting a further spending increase in 2014, a roughly 4-percent increase from the year-earlier period.

CLO notes that even though training funds have yet to reach levels that existed before the recession, the reported figures signal a growth in the learning and development industry.

About one-third predict the challenges will be creating a corporate culture that attracts the best employees to the organization (36 percent), remaining competitive in the talent marketplace (34 percent) and finding employees with the increasingly specialized skills the organization needs (33 percent).

HR professionals report that flexible work arrangements (40 percent) and providing a culture of trust, open communication and fairness (37 percent) are the tactics that will be most effective in attracting, retaining and rewarding the best employees over the next decade.

One-quarter of HR professionals said offering a higher total rewards package than competitors (26 percent) and providing career advancement opportunities (26 percent) would be most effective.

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DEPARTMENTS > Contact: Stacey Bruce

’Use It or Lose It’ Rule Changes for Flexible Spending Accounts On Thursday, October 31, 2013, the Internal Revenue Service issued notice that up to $500 in Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can be carried over, starting with the period from 20132014. In other words, the “use it or lose it“ clause, which was the major impediment to these accounts, will only apply to $501 and above.

Employers sponsoring the plans are not required to offer the option. Another option, allows employees up to two and half months at the start of a new plan year to spend remaining funds from the old plan year. The new rule from the IRS says that plans can offer either a grace period or the rollover of $500 but not both.

The FSA allows participating employees to contribute up to $2,500 a year from their pay, before taxes are deducted. The accounts can be used to pay certain medical expenses not covered by insurance, including copays. The new $500 rollover provision does not lower this amount, so if the maximum contribution is taken, then up to $3,000 may be available in the following plan year.

Currently, more than 85 percent of large employers offer FSAs, according to Alegeus Technologies, but typically only 20 percent to 22 percent take advantage of this for fear of misjudging their election resulting in loss of their money. This new ruling should see an increase in participation in FSAs. Some plan sponsors who have not yet finalized the 2014 open enrollment materials may be eligible to start al-

lowing employees to carry over the money remaining in their accounts at the end of this year. Others may need to wait until next year to begin offering this provision.

For more information about the recent IRS notice, please contact me at the Manufacturer & Businesss Association at 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660.

Patty Smith is the director of Employee Benefit Services at the Manufacturer & Business Association.

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DEPARTMENTS > Contact: Lori Joint

New Website Offers More Resources for Employers Lori Joint is the director of Government Affairs at the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA). Contact her at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or ljoint@mbausa.org.

Happy New Year! This time of year always brings a renewed sense of hope and optimism — and a time for new beginnings.

It is with that in mind that we are excited to tell you about our new Government Affairs website.

Now, more than ever, we need to be mindful of what our elected officials are doing — because their actions have a direct impact on our businesses. Running a business is hard enough, and there isn’t a lot of time left over to research all the legislative issues that are out there. We hope you will find our new website to be a helpful resource. Please check it out at www.mba-ga.org.

Here are a few of the things you will find: • Elected Official Lookup — Find your legislators from work or home just by typing in your zip code. You can easily access comprehensive information about elected officials including contact information, committees served on and more.

• Business Issues — Find information on the most pressing state and federal issues for the business community. Read more about what the MBA’s position is in helping educate legislators about a pro-business, pro-growth agenda.

• Scorecards and Bill Tracker — See how your elected official voted and what bills are currently out there that could have an impact on your current business practices.

• Action Alerts — Learn what issues require immediate action and easily send your thoughts and opinions to your elected officials. Our letter writing tools allow you to send unlimited messages to federal, state and local officials.

• Election Information and Voter Toolkit — During election years, easily find out who is running for office in your area and where the candidates stand on key issues.

You can register to vote, get information about absentee ballots and polling sites, look at demographic information, voter maps and more.

• Regulations 101 — Find comprehensive information about the regulatory process and the agencies that enforce them.

• Current News — Stay current with this continuous feed of the day’s top political and business stories.

• Resources – Download and print copies of the MBA Legislative Issues book, our Grassroots Advocacy Handbook and more.

• Upcoming Events — Register to attend key legislative and networking events, such as the Association’s legislative luncheons, Eggs ’n’ Issues briefings and Annual Event.

This will continue to be a work in progress as things are always changing in the political arena. If you would like to receive regular updates, we have two e-newsletters. News You Can Use is delivered Monday through Friday morning to your inbox and contains the day’s top stories. The Hill is a weekly e-newsletter that contains a more in-depth look at various state and federal issues. You may also want to follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mbagovaffairs.

We welcome your feedback on what you would like to see and what would be most helpful for you. If you have questions that need immediate answers, please contact us at our Erie headquarters at 814/833-3200 or our Harrisburg office at 800/815-2660.

• Government 101 — Use this resource for any questions about how government works, the processes that are used, agency information and more.

January 2014 > www.mbabizmag.com > 17

HR Q&A DO WE HAVE TO PAY AN EMPLOYEE WHO IS ’ON CALL’?

The answer depends on whether the employee is “working“ while on call. If the limitations on the employee are restrictive, the employee could be working and the time must be paid (and must be credited toward overtime). The federal regulation at 29 CFR §785.17, for on-call time, states: “An employee who is required to remain on call on the employer’s premises or so close thereto that he cannot use the time effectively for his own purposes is working while ’on call.’ An employee who is not required to remain on the employer’s premises but is merely required to leave work at his home or with company officials where he may be reached is not working while on call.“ The Wage and Hour Division has published a number of opinion letters on the topic, including FLSA2008-8NA, which says: “The federal courts evaluate a variety of factors when determining whether an employee can use on-call time effectively for personal purposes, such as

18 < www.mbabizmag.com < January 2014

whether there are excessive geographical restrictions on an employee’s movements, whether the frequency of calls is unduly restrictive, whether a fixed time limit for response is unduly restrictive, whether the employee could easily trade on-call responsibilities, whether use of a pager could ease restrictions, and whether the on-call policy was based on an agreement between the parties.“ Some employers choose to provide “on call pay“ even if the employees are not under substantial restrictions and are not legally “working“ but this compensation is not required.

WHEN CAN WE MAKE WAGE DEDUCTIONS FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE, UNIFORMS, MEDICAL EXAMS, OR SIMILAR REASONS? Federal law allows nearly any deduction from the wages of a non-exempt employee, as long as the employee still receives the minimum wage for all hours worked. However, most states impose further restrictions on the perm- issible deductions.

Almost all states require signed authorization for a deduction from wages including Pennsylvania.

Deductions for things like property damage, uniforms, and medical exams (other than exams required to obtain health insurance) are considered to be for the employer’s benefit, rather than for the employee’s benefit. Even in states where these deductions are allowed, the employee must still receive the minimum wage for all hours worked on the paycheck from which the deduction was made.

In most states, deductions can be made for advances of wages or vacation pay.

Check your state law, however.

Finally, the allowable deductions from the salaries of exempt employees are strictly limited by federal law, which does not allow deductions for property damage, uniforms, or most other reasons.

However, exempt employees can still authorize deductions for their own benefit (such as health insurance premiums or charitable contributions).

DEPARTMENTS > Contact: Stacey Bruce

The Fundamentals of Tuition Assistance In an effort to retain good employees, many organizations are offering a wider variety of employee benefits in addition to wage increases. Employers also see value in investing in their employees’ efforts to improve their job-related skills and knowledge, and to acquire the education necessary to enhance their management skills or prepare for career-related promotional opportunities.

For these reasons, organizations may offer financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education through Tuition Assistance Programs (TAPs).

Who qualifies?

Some employers require that the employee’s field of study relate to a current or future position in the company. For example, it may make sense to sponsor an employee in purchasing who wishes to get a degree in finance. However, it may be impractical for a company to sponsor an employee who operates a printing press and wishes to get a degree in philosophy.

What are the restrictions?

The employer may establish eligibility criteria for such programs. That criteria may include that the employee:

• Have a certain level of seniority; • Be employed for a minimum period of time before applying; • Finishes the course of study within a certain a period of time; • Stay with the company for a specified period of time after making use of the program; and • Only enroll at a specified school, in a specified course of study, or in a certain major.

How is assistance paid?

Organizations may also require that the student/employee maintain a certain grade point average (GPA) to continue receiving the program benefits. The employer may decide to make the amount of tuition that is to be reimbursed dependent upon the GPA; for example, a company will pay 100 percent of tuition for a 4.0 GPA, but a reduced percentage for a lower grade point average.

Employees/students may also be responsible for the initial payment for courses upon enrollment, with the employer reimbursing the employee later, perhaps quarterly, by the semester, or after a final grade has been awarded.

The TAP may also require that the employee/ student remain with the organization for a determined length of time after completion of a program. If not, tuition benefits may need to be repaid.

Who administers the program?

Tuition assistance programs are usually administered through an organization’s Human Resources department or are part of an employee’s benefits package.

Employees who received tuition assistance from employers also receive a federal tax exemption up to $5,250 a year. Employers often provide for reimbursement up to that amount.

For more information about TAPs, contact the Association’s HR Services Division at 814/8333200 or 800/815-2660.

Stacey Bruce, SPHR is the HR Services director at the Manufacturer & Business Association.

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January 2014 > www.mbabizmag.com > 19

Happy Annivers The Manufacturer & Business Association would like to take this opportunity to recognize the hundreds of Association member companies that are celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2014. These organizations represent the pinnacle of the great achievers of our community — the entrepreneurs — who have helped to revolutionize business and industry, open opportunities for others and shape the community in which we live and work. Congratulations on all of your achievements and best wishes for your future success!

150 YEARS...First National Bank of Pennsylvania, PNC Financial Services Group, Stranahan Stranahan & Cline 140 YEARS...Eureka Electrical Products Inc., Hart, McConahy & Martz Inc. 130 YEARS...Erie Business Center Inc., J.B. Booth & Co., Saint Mary’s Home of Erie 120 YEARS...Anderson & Kime Inc., Baldwin Brothers, Inc., Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, Corry Journal, Corry Memorial Hospital, Kurtz Bros., Inc. 110 YEARS...Roth Cadillac, Joseph McCormick Construction Co., Inc., Reinhardt’s Agency, Inc. 100 YEARS...Berenfield Containers Inc., Heeter Lumber Company Inc., J. H. Bennett Moving & Storage Inc., Wm. T. Spaeder Company Inc. 90 YEARS...Griswold Inc., Keywell L.L.C., Lord Corporation, OSI Total Pipe Organ Resources 80 YEARS...Greenfield Basket Factory, Holt Ramsey Pump, Martin Trucking, Inc., Parker’s Garage, R.N. Goss Gas Products Co., St. Marys Insurance Agency, Inc., T. L. Robertson Insurance Group LLC 75 YEARS...A. Anthony & Sons, Inc., Colfax Power Plant EFCU, E. D. Fee Transfer Inc., Georgino Industrial Supply Inc., Jefferson Poultry, Inc., Seewald Laboratories Inc., Thompson Maple Products Inc., Warren Electric Cooperative, Inc. 70 YEARS...Axeman-Anderson Company, Dimeling & Schrot Inc., Drafto Corporation, James H. Cross Company, Philip Weiner and Company, Ltd., Strong Mobile Homes, Van Air, Inc.

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60 YEARS...Burhenn’s Pharmacy Inc., Carl E. Swanson & Sons Inc., Century 21 Canadohta Lake Realty, Corry Jamestown Credit Union, Custom Engineering Company, Erdos Brothers Investments, Gerald R. Fry Company Inc., Glenn Sand & Gravel, Inc., Golden Triangle Motel, Haysite Reinforced Plastics, Herbert V. Hovis, High Pressure Equipment Company, Hiller’s Inc., Janitors Supply Company Inc., Lynn, King, & Schreffler, P.C., Niagara Machine Inc., Palmer Pools, Pennsylvania Tool & Gages Inc, Schry Water, Stan’s Garden Center, Witherup Fabrication & Erection Inc. 50 YEARS...Actco Tool & Manufacturing Company, Angelo’s Salon Development Group, Automatic Turning & Machining, Inc., Faull Fabricating, Inc., Hufnagel & Majors, Inc., Huston Group, Jackson Plumbing Inc., Kebert Construction Company, Kersey Tool & Die Company Inc., Meadville Overhead Door, Metalife Industries, Inc., Paul Cantolina Trucking Inc., Pesce Metal Fabricating, Inc., Presque Isle Wine Cellars Inc., Superior Tire & Rubber Corporation, Venango Machine Products Inc., W. C. Breakiron Jewelers Inc., Whirley Industries Inc., White-Brook Inc., Young’s Tire 40 YEARS...Afton Trucking, Inc., Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services, Inc., Aris Corporation of America, Armstrong County Council on, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Inc., Bestway Inc., Brooks Landscape Inc., Brooks Medical Arts, Inc., Bruce D. Johnson, DMD, Buco Transportation Inc., Burch Well Drilling, Calibration Services Inc., Carlos Flores MD PC, Connex Inc., Creative Imprint Systems, CSI Construction Services Inc., Danser Collision, Dave Hallman Chevrolet Inc., David F. Dieteman, M.D. Inc., Developac Inc., Dr. David Potoker, Ed. D., Erie Center on Health & Aging Inc., Fairview Coal Company, Family Chiropractic Center, Flickinger Auto Body, Franklin-Oil Region Credit Union, Gerg Tool & Die Inc., J.D. Clark Electric, Inc., Lincoln Foundry Inc., M & D Industries Inc., Marenchin’s Transmission, McShane Welding Company Inc., Medicor Associates Inc., Mid County Transit Authority, Mike’s Super Market, Montgomery Block Works Inc., Moshannon Valley Pharmacy, North/South Shenango Joint Municipal, Ronald J. Wieczorek, D.P.M., Samuel C. Shialabba, Jr., D.M.D., Select-Tron Industries Inc., Silk

sary!

Screen Specialties Unlimited, Spring Hill Industries Inc., The Cheese House, WD Mohney & Associates 30 YEARS...Abby Health Care, Inc., Advantage Mold & Design, Altmeyer Veterinary Hospital, American Turned Products, Ameripac Industries Inc., Appletree & Kern, P.C., ATD Warehouse, Baldauf Autobody, Inc., Barrow Civic Theatre, Bracken Funeral Home Inc., Building Systems Inc., Casa D’oro Jewelers Inc., Classic Tool Inc., Claw Inc., Cranberry Foods Inc., Delta Contractors & Design Inc., Diamond Tool & Die, Douglas E. Klein, Doutt Tool, Inc., DWM Decision Associates LLC, Electro-Tech, Inc., Erie Retinal Surgery Inc., Executool Precision Tooling Inc., Fire Force Inc., Frank Construction Inc./ Jolly Trolley, Gallie’s Hallmark Shop, Gary T. Brotherson MD, Inc., Gaven Industries Inc., Glass Shops Inc., Greenville Metals, Inc., Greg Thomas Floor Expressions, Gun World Inc., Hi-Tech Plating Co. Inc., HomerWood Hardwood Flooring Co., Hubbard Bus Service, Inc., I. C. Electric, Inc., J. Baur Machining, Inc., Jim Kriley Sales & Service Inc., K.C. Larson Inc., KDL Industries, Kilarney Restaurant Mgmt. Inc., Kreischer’s Cabinetry, L.G.B. Retail Inc., Lake Erie Systems & Services Inc., Langer Material Handling, Inc., McClellan Trucking, Inc., Meadville Tool Grinding, Meridien Hardwoods of Pa., Inc., MHF Inc., Michael J. Zima, Jr. Public Accountant, Momentum Therapeutics, Morrison Builders Supply Inc., Muscarella & Son Inc., North East Foundry, Nu-Tec Tooling Co. Inc., Ongley Hardwoods Inc., Paul E. Shok, D.M.D., M.D.S., PHB Inc., Phoenix Data Inc., Pine Valley Nursery, Potter Masonry, Precision Machining Company, Priest Enterprises Inc., Professional Cycle Inc., Progressive Tool & Die, Inc., Protek Metals Inc., Racoh Products Inc., Ray Showman Jr. Excavating, Inc., RO-SUCO Inc., Sesler and Sesler, Sybert’s Garage, The Guidance Center, Tri-State Video Services Inc., Trott Concrete Contractors, Vermeer Sales & Service, Inc., W D Kerr & Sons, Waterproofing Specialties Inc., West Lake Car Wash, Wilson Electric Inc., Wise Mining Co., Wist Enterprises Inc., Wright’s Garage Inc. 25 YEARS...A.M.S. Electronics Inc., AccuSpec Electronics LLC, Advanced Business Computing Services Inc, Advanced Cast Products, Amatech/Polycel Inc., Baron Heating & Air Conditioning Co., Bay Valley Foods, Betres Group, BLX, Inc., Burford Construction, Butts Auto & Truck Service, Inc., Chad Wise Trucking, Champion Ford Edinboro, Clarion Wood Products, Inc., Contact Technologies Inc., Coppola Enterprises Inc., CSI Corporate Security and Investigation, CSR Enterprise Networks, Curtis Oil, Inc., Davis Machine Inc., Diversified Coatings Inc., Diversified Manufacturing Systems, Inc., Dunhuntin Machine Shop, Inc., Electronic Communication Services Inc., Erie Aviation Inc., Ford City Riverside, Fringe Benefit Services Inc., Glenn Weaver & Son LLC, Great Lakes Construction, Greiner Extrusion US Inc., H.W.C. Inc., HC HoodCo, Inc., Himes Machine Inc., Houseknecht’s Machine & Tool Co. Inc., Interim Personnel of Western PA Inc., J & J Sauer Southern Auto Parts & Sales, John L. Jarzab, CPA, Junior Coal Contracting, Inc., Kosko Wood Products Inc., Luton’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C, Lycoming County Water & Sewer Authority, McGhee Scrap Company, Mercer Auto Parts Inc., Metaltech, Inc., Metkote Laminated Products Inc., Metrobrand Services LLC, Michael J. Rahner Family Dentistry, Muddy Creek Leasing, Ortho-

paedic and Sports Medicine of Erie, Pacileos Great Lakes Motor Company, Paper City Transfer, Inc., Penn Central Door, LLC, Perseo-Erie Inc., Peterson Refrigeration & A/C Inc., Plastikos Inc., Premier Graphics, LLC, R & D Coatings Inc., REMAX Real Estate Group, Ridgeview Gas & Oil Inc., Riggs Financial Inc., Sevin’s Tire Service, Inc., Skip Knoll Inc., Smock & Schonthaler Industrial, The Trading Post, WPSE Radio 20 YEARS...Accu-Chek Machining, Inc., Advanced Polymer Technology Corporation, Advanced Recycling Equipment, Inc., Allegheny Mountain Hardwood Flooring, Americut Corporation, Automotive Excellence Inc., B & R Tool & Die Inc., Biofab Products Inc., Bob Martin, CLU Ins. Agency Inc., Bomar Auto Repair, Bossard & Crawford, Inc., Cable Hardwoods, Inc., Carini Restaurant, Champion Ford Sales, Inc., ChipBlaster, Inc., Coventry Health Care, Daniel J. Callahan, Jr., M.D., P.C., Dew Services, Don Hick’s Auto Service, Douglas, Joseph & Olson, E. Long Holdings Inc., Elk Creek Painting Inc., Erie Batteries, Alternators & Starters, Frank Tucci Inc., Great Lakes Metal Finishing, Greenville Comfort Systems, Hards Fabrication and Welding Inc., Holbein Inc., Hopkins Heltzel LLP, Kevin L. Kiefer, Keystone Chipping Inc., Life and Independence for Today, LTL Properties Inc., MAM Food Service LTD, Mane Attraction Hair Studio Inc., Manor Motel, McCormick Structural Systems Inc., Meadville Emergency Physicians PC, Medart, Inc., North Fork Rehab Inc., Northstar Construction Inc., Northwest Insurance Services, P & G Physical Therapy, Inc., Paragon Print Systems Inc., Phaztech, Inc., Pine Haven Veterinary Clinic, Pirrello Enterprises Inc., Precision Compacted Components Inc., Precision Polymers, Inc., Precision Profiles Inc., Presque Isle Partnership, Pro Tech Machining, Inc., Quality Emergency Medical Services Inc., Romolo Chocolates Inc., Sagewood Incorporated, Schnoch Corp., Secondary Development & Research, Sharon Cardiology Specialists, Slippery Rock Materials Inc., Steve Newell Plumbing & Heating Inc., The Robson Co. Inc., Town & Country Generators LLC, Valcomi Inc., W. L. Winkle Engineering Co. Inc., Warren Plastics Mfg. Co., Western Auto - ACE Hardware Anniversary information is based on member records as of October 2013. We regret any errors or omissions. Please contact the Manufacturer & Business Association at 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660 with updated information for inclusion in future publications.

January 2014 > www.mbabizmag.com > 21

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Saint Mary’s residents and staff 1894.

O

Caring across the Centuries

125 years

n September 21, 1884, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania opened the doors to Saint Mary’s Home of Erie for fifteen aged people who were previously residing at St. Vincent Hospital. They were meeting the needs of the people and the era in the Erie community.

By 2001, Saint Mary’s Home of Erie was comprised of two campuses that served the community – Saint Mary’s East and Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge. It is operated in the Catholic tradition, as a Continuing Care Retirement Community, and is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Saint Mary’s continues to grow in order to meet community needs. The Asbury Ridge campus started expanding to offer 26 independent living homes known as The Carriage Homes at Asbury Ridge in 2007. Saint Mary’s East completed a $21 million addition and renovation Barabas, left, is visiting with Sister project that enhanced the campus to feature all private nursing rooms with attached European Margaret Phyllis McCracken, SSJ, center, and Dexter, right, showers along with countless additional amenities in 2010. in one of the courtyards at Saint Mary’s East.

Dexter is a therapy dog and companion for the

Saint Mary’s services include adult day services, independent living, residential living, personal residents at Saint Mary’s East. care, skilled nursing, Alzheimer’s care, respite care as well as speech, occupational and physical therapies. In 2013, Saint Mary’s continued the growth of available services with the announcement of respiratory therapy, palliative care and home care.

“Our Mission is ‘Loving to Care’ and ‘fostering an atmosphere of community in a faith-based atmosphere,’ explained Sister Phyllis McCracken, President/CEO. She continued, “Our Vision is ‘to be a principle enabler to primarily seniors in the Erie community, aiding them in living their lives in a respectable, dignified and fulfilled manner.’ This Mission and Vision will move us forward as we continue to meet the needs of seniors in our community.”

The Mission of Saint Mary’s also extends beyond serving seniors. The Administration and the Board of Trustees continue the tradition of employee education, volunteerism and being good stewards in the local community.

Celebrating our 130th Anniversary

People Buzz KNOX FIRM ANNOUNCES ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENTS Tamara Philabaum has been named chief administrative officer of Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. in Erie with supervisory responsibility for all administrative functions at the firm.

Philabaum earned a bachelor of science degree at West Virginia University and a master of business administration at Gannon University and has served as the Knox firm’s director of administration since 1998.

Frances New has been named information technology director of the firm. She has been employed by the Knox firm for more than 30

years, most recently as systems administrator.

Sarah Holland has been hired as the firm’s marketing director. She holds a bachelor’s of science degree from Lehigh University and most recently worked as a marketing manager at La Prairie in New York City.

AMERICAN TINNING NAMES NEW VP, SHAREHOLDER Erie-based American Tinning & Galvanizing (ATG), a nationally accredited metal finishing company, has named Rodney Chiarelli vice president and a shareholder in the family owned business.

Chiarelli, who recently served as the director of operations, has been with ATG for 10 years. He previously served in roles as production manager and chemist.

He also is the only non-family shareholder of the company, which was founded in 1931.

GANNON ANNOUNCES TWO APPOINTMENTS Gannon University in Erie announced the appointment of Thomas Camillo as director of undergraduate admissions, a position he has held on an interim basis since July.

As director, Camillo will provide leadership in the development and implementation of the University’s recruiting strategies, programs and services. In this role, he will supervise the work of the Office

25 Years in Business AccuSpec Electronics, one of the Armstrong Group of Companies, is a world-class Contract Electronics Manufacturer located in Erie, Pennsylvania specializing in low to moderate volume production.

AccuSpec Electronics offers sophisticated product design and testing, a proven Lean manufacturing process, and award-winning advanced supply chain management, which results in extremely flexible, on-time delivery for our customers.

8140 Hawthorne Dr. Erie, PA 16509 Phone: (814) 464-2000 Web: www.accuspecelectronic.com

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DEPARTMENTS > Contact: Karen Torres

of Undergraduate Admissions, which includes the recruitment of first-year undergraduates, transfers, re-admitted students and dual enrollment students.

Camillo graduated in 1999 from the University of Pittsburgh where he received a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in communication. He is currently pursuing a master of arts degree at Gannon.

In addition, Gannon has appointed Sarah Heminger as director of international admissions. In this position, Heminger will lead both recruitment and admissions activities for graduate and undergraduate students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

HAMMERLEE DENTAL STAFF TO SERVE AS ASSOCIATION OFFICERS Hammerlee Dental Care recently announced that three of its hygienists will serve as officers in their professional organization, the American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA), including its northwest Pennsylvania chapter.

The statewide Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists Association (PDHA) annual session at the Keystone Dental Health Conference 2013 was held October 23-27 at the Ambassador Banquet & Conference Center in Erie.

Shown here are: Linda Straub Bruce, RDH, BSED, PHDHP, who will serve as vice president of the Northwest Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists Association; PDHA President-elect Dana Shaffer, RDH, BS, PHDHP; NWPDHA President Amy Hart, RDH, BS and Dr. Bill Hammerlee, Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and proprietor of Hammerlee Dental Care.

To improve the publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total health, the mission of the PDHA is to advance the art and science of dental hygiene by increasing the awareness of and ensuring access to cost-effective quality oral health care, thus promoting the highest standards of dental hygiene education, licensure, practice and research while representing and promoting the interests of dental hygienists.

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January 2014 > www.mbabizmag.com > 25

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